6-month investigation leads to dismantling of drug ‘super lab’ in BC

A lengthy investigation into the Lower Mainland’s drug trade has resulted in the discovery of a clandestine drug lab.

According to police, the six-month probe culminated with the execution of four search warrants on Oct. 16-17, which resulted in two arrests.

The RCMP says the clandestine drug lab, which has been described as a “super lab,” was found and dismantled on a rural farm property in Langley.

“(The lab) was capable of producing multiple kilograms of suspected fentanyl on a weekly basis,” an RCMP release explained, adding that the drugs were seized as part of the investigation.

Officers with the RCMP’s Drug and Organized Crime Section (DOCS) also seized hundreds of kilograms of chemicals used in the production of fentanyl and two vehicles.

It took the DOCS and Clan Lab Team (CLEAR), with Health Canada and Emergency Health Services on standby, three days to safely dismantle the lab and dispose of all contaminated material.

In total, police searched four residences of suspects believed to be involved in the production of drugs, which resulted in the two arrests.

Charges against the arrested individuals, and potentially others, will be recommended as the investigation progresses.

“A drug super lab like this poses a serious public safety risk to the entire community,” said Sgt. Randy Mortensen with DOCS.

“It appears the fentanyl being produced at this lab was being widely distributed, likely contributing to overdoses in this province and across the country.”

Mortensen said the lab is directly linked to gangs involved in British Columbia’s gang conflict.