THREE men have been charged following a 14-month Vancouver Police investigation into an illicit drug lab that was producing fentanyl and other deadly street drugs.

“People continue to die in record numbers from toxic drugs that are manufactured and sold by organized criminals,” said Inspector Phil Heard, officer in charge of VPD’s Organized Crime Section, on Wednesday. “As long as this is happening, we will focus our investigative energy on rooting out the people responsible for fueling the toxic drug crisis.”

The criminal charges stem from Project Toluene, which was initiated by Vancouver Police in January 2023 to target a group of criminals that was manufacturing and trafficking illicit drugs at various locations throughout the region. The investigation led the VPD to a drug lab inside a Richmond home, which was dismantled in April 2023 with assistance from Richmond RCMP.

Three men have now been charged for their alleged roles in the criminal operation.

Jason Conrad of Duncan is charged with trafficking fentanyl; four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepine; and weapons offences.

Liam MacRae and Erin Fineday, both of Richmond, are each charged with production of fentanyl, a controlled substance; trafficking fentanyl; and two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in fentanyl and methamphetamine.

“This is a job very well done by the investigators at the Vancouver Police Department,” said Inspector Mike Roberts, Richmond RCMP Operations Officer. “Criminal offences often have a multijurisdictional element. By working collaboratively in support of these operations, we are making our community as a whole safer for all.”