Officials: Theft includes toxic chemicals

FRIONA — Those responsible for recent barn thefts in Parmer County may have stolen a potentially toxic chemical.

A news release from the Parmer County Sheriff’s Office said six canisters of aluminum phosphate were among items stolen from barns northwest of Friona.

“Aluminum phosphate is a powerful agriculture pesticide which is ... deadly to pets and humans,” the news release reads.

The pesticide was blamed for the accidental deaths of four Amarillo residents about a year ago, the release said.

The half-gallon canisters are probably labeled “Fumitoxin,” the release said, though containers are old and labels may be missing or difficult to read.

“If you are in possession of these canisters, do not open (and) do not get the product wet,” the release reads.

“If you are in possession of these canisters you may anonymously leave them at a local fire station.”

Parmer County Sheriff Randy Geries said aluminum phosphate is most often used to kill mice and insects and legal users must be licensed.

In addition to the chemicals, burglars also took building materials, rolls of copper wire, metal roofing, 2-inch aluminum pipe and an antique compressor, the release said.

Anyone with information about the burglaries can contact Parmer County Crime Stoppers at 806-481-9178.