720 ILCS 646/25 – Unlawful Possession of Anhydrous Ammonia (For Methamphetamine)

720 ILCS 646/25 – Unlawful Possession of Anhydrous Ammonia (For Methamphetamine)

This law makes it illegal to have or move anhydrous ammonia if it’s meant to be used to make meth.

This Illinois law says that people cannot have, move, or store anhydrous ammonia if they plan to use it to make methamphetamine. The law also lists tougher punishments when the crime puts others in danger or involves unsafe containers or tampering with equipment.

(a) Having, getting, moving, storing, or giving anhydrous ammonia to someone else when you plan for it to be used to make methamphetamine is illegal.

1. It is against the law to do any of these actions on purpose or to try to do them, or to help someone else do them, if it’s meant for making meth.
2. Sentence: This is a Class 1 felony.

(b) Aggravated possession, getting, moving, storing, or giving anhydrous ammonia to make meth is a more serious crime.

1. It is against the law to do these things on purpose if it’s meant for making meth and any of the following are true:
   1. The person does it in an apartment building or other multi-unit place.
   2. The person does it in a home or vehicle where a child, a person with a disability, or an elderly person (60 or older) lives or could be hurt.
   3. The action causes someone’s death, serious injury, disability, or scarring.
   4. The action causes a fire or explosion that damages someone else’s property.
2. Sentence: This is a Class X felony, punishable by 6 to 30 years in prison and a fine up to $100,000.

(c) Having or moving anhydrous ammonia in a container that is not approved for it is also illegal.

• 1. It is against the law to have, get, move, store, or give anhydrous ammonia in an unauthorized container.
• 1.5 It is also against the law to try to do this.
• 2. Sentence: Doing it is a Class 3 felony. Trying to do it is a Class 4 felony.
• 3. It can be a defense if the person followed the main safety rules for handling and storing anhydrous ammonia as required by state or federal regulations.

(d) Messing with or damaging anhydrous ammonia equipment without permission is illegal.

1. Someone tampers with this equipment if they do any of the following without the owner’s approval:
   1. Remove or try to remove anhydrous ammonia from the owner’s tank or system.
   2. Damage or try to damage the equipment.
   3. Release or try to release the anhydrous ammonia into the air.
2. Sentence: This is a Class 3 felony.

View the full statute here.

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