AFTER a six-month investigation, Burnaby RCMP’s Drug and Organized Crime Section (DOCS) on October 16 and 17 executed four search warrants throughout the Lower Mainland, which resulted in two arrests and the discovery of a clandestine drug lab.

The clandestine drug lab, which has been described as a ‘super lab’, was located on a rural farm property in Langley and was capable of producing multiple kilograms of suspected fentanyl on a weekly basis. DOCS also seized hundreds of kilograms of chemicals used in the production of fentanyl.

Suspected fentanyl, precursor chemicals, and two vehicles were seized.

Three other search warrants were also executed at residences of suspects believed to be involved in the production of drugs. Burnaby RCMP’s DOCS and E-Division Clan Lab Team (CLEAR), with Health Canada and Emergency Health Services on standby, took three days to safely dismantle the lab and dispose of all the contaminated material and equipment.

Two men were arrested. Charges against those individuals, and possibly others, will be recommended as the investigation progresses.

“This lab is directly linked to gangs involved in the BC Gang Conflict,” said Sgt Randy Mortensen with Burnaby RCMP’s Drug and Organized Crime Section. “A drug super lab like this poses a serious public safety risk to the entire community. It appears the fentanyl being produced at this lab was being widely distributed, likely contributing to overdoses in this province and across the country.”