Dangerous P chemical stolen

Detective Matt Valentine said police would not be revealing the name of the chemical yard due to the risk of "copy-cat" actions.

Up to 60 litres of a dangerous acid and key compound in the commercial manufacture of methamphetamine was siphoned from a Mount Maunganui commercial chemical yard.

Police were now investigating the theft from the Totara St yard where hypophosphorous acid was taken about 11.15pm on Wednesday night.

Wednesday night's theft was the second time the factory had been targeted. In January 2009, 1000 litres of the same acid was stolen. At the time the 1000 litres was worth at least $1 million on the black market and had the potential to make 900kg, or $900 million worth of P.

Detective Matt Valentine said police would not be revealing the name of the chemical yard due to the risk of "copy-cat" actions.

He said two offenders were caught on CCTV footage siphoning the acid into black drums on Wednesday night.

He said the offenders were disturbed by staff and left quickly taking a large unknown quantity of the acid with them while drums were left behind.

It was possible the offenders were left with chemical burns or dissolved shoes from the spilt acid, Mr Valentine said.

"When they were disturbed they spilled a lot and the tank was siphoned so it continued to leak."

The exact amount the offenders managed to get away with was unknown but 50 to 60 litres was missing from the tank, he said.

"Fifty to 60 litres is of significant value ... It's hard to give a street value as it is only one of a large number of ingredients and goes through a long cooking process."

Police were conducting a scene examination of the chemical yard and investigating the CCTV footage.

The burglars appeared to be well organised with equipment to break through the security fences and siphon and collect the acid, Mr Valentine said.

The staff had taken all the necessary security measures and precautions, he said. A spokesperson for the company was unable to be contacted before the Bay of Plenty Times went to print.

Anyone with information should contact Tauranga police on (07) 577 4300.

Hypophosphorous acid
*It is used in the formulation of pharmaceuticals, discoloration of polymers, water treatment, retrieval of precious or non-ferrous metals.
*Its main use is for electroless plating.