The Columbia Missourian reported Feb. 8 that a product called GloTell causes anhydrous to glow pink under fluorescent light, and turns users' skin pink if they inject the drug. (Many meth users smoke the drug rather than injecting, however.)

Advocates for adding GloTell to fertilizer say it would make it easier for police to spot meth makers and users. A bill to compensate farmers who use the substance was introduced in the state legislature in January. The substance would cost farmers about $1 per acre.

Last year, there were 433 reported cases of anhydrous ammonia being stolen from Missouri farms.

Other researchers are working on calcium nitrate additives that would reduce the yield and purity of methamphetamine that could be derived from the fertilizer.

Even if users or meth cooks were stained with GloTell, prosecutors would need more evidence to convict them of crimes. "We would have to show (defendants) possessed precursors for methamphetamine with the intent to produce it," said Boone County Prosecutor Kevin Crane.

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