KEY POINTS:
The theft of a tonne of a highly toxic liquid chemical used to manufacture P would be enough to supply almost four pipes for every person in the Bay of Plenty.
The Mt Maunganui factory burgled of the hypophosphorous acid - which has a street value of up
to $10 million - will stop using the chemical after two thefts in two years.
The amount of acid stolen in the raid at the Totara St facility on the weekend would contribute to the manufacture of 400kg of methamphetamine, also called P.
The raw chemical, of which an 800-litre container was stolen, can have a black market value as high as $6000 to $9000 a litre.
According to the 2006 Census, the Bay of Plenty - the fifth biggest region in the country - has a population of 264,180 and at $100 a point (0.1g), there would be enough of the ingredient to make enough P for about four hits for every resident.
Senior Sergeant Rob Glencross of the Tauranga police said yesterday members of the public had come forward with information about the theft but he would not say what that was while the investigation was ongoing.
Police are still keen to speak to anyone with information however and are also highly concerned with the danger the extremely toxic and flammable acid could have to people and the environment should it get into waterways if the thieves try to dispose of it.
The factory - which Mr Glencross would not name for fear of a copycat raid as there were only a couple of premises in the region that held these kind of chemicals - has said it will stop using the acid after the latest theft.
The chemical storage and manufacturing premises was burgled of the same ingredient about two years ago.
In the latest theft it appeared the thieves had used a forklift on the premises to lift the plastic container - called a bailey bin - on to the back of a vehicle. With tight security at the factory it appeared the offenders had been familiar with the layout of the premises but Mr Glencross would not comment on whether he suspected it was an inside job.
"They've actually been very proactive in their security even in the lead up to this. They've now reviewed their security procedures."
The acid is also used for the formulation of pharmaceuticals, discoloration of plastics, water treatment and the retrieval of metals.
If the ingredient has been stolen for the manufacture of methamphetamine - a Class A drug - the charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, Mr Glencross said.
* Toxic acid
A colourless liquid used as a reducing agent.
Highly toxic and flammable chemical causing explosions if in contact with other chemicals.
Can have fatal consequences. Enters the blood stream just by touching the skin, attacking vital organs and causing burns.
Can enter waterways through the earth, killing animals and plants along the way.
Used for the formulation of pharmaceuticals, discoloration of plastics, water treatment and the retrieval of metals.
Contributes to the manufacture of P along with ContacNT - a Chinese substance which contains pseudoephedrine and is imported into New Zealand in pill form - and iodine and other acid-based chemicals.
