The RCMP announced the discovery of yet another suspected “clandestine drug lab” as Canada ramps up efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking.
In a statement released yesterday, the RCMP said they discovered the operation on a rural property in Spallumcheen – mere months after raiding what it called the “largest superlab in Canadian history” in the neighbouring community of Falkland.
According to RCMP Const. Chris Terleski, officers launched the investigation earlier this week after attending a property on Reservoir Road – a short rural no-through roadway bookended by a large autopart recycling plant and a shooting range.
The RCMP then obtained and executed a search warrant, uncovering additional evidence they said was “consistent with synthetic drug manufacturing.”
As of late last night, the RCMP continued to cordon off a driveway on Reservoir Road, even putting up a “do not occupy” sign to deter unwanted visitors.
Police announced no arrests and no charges to go along with the discovery, said there was no immediate threat to the public, and were adamant they would not be releasing any more information at this time.
Meanwhile, just hours before the announcement was made, Public Safety Minister David McGuinty and RCMP Commissioner Michael Duheme fielded questions from reporters on U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims on Canada’s failure to properly deal with the fentanyl crisis.
“Do you think the Americans’ concerns are legitimate?” A reporter asked during the presser.
“Since 2018, we’ve dismantled 47 labs across the country,” Duheme returned.
As noted, the latest suspected drug lab investigation in Spallumcheen is not the first of its kind in the region. In fact, it’s the second in just a few months.
Last October, RCMP dismantled what they described as Canada’s largest and most sophisticated fentanyl and methamphetamine lab. The facility, dubbed a “superlab” by investigators, was discovered on a rural property in Falkland, located between Vernon and Kamloops.
Police reported that the fentanyl and precursor chemicals seized in Falkland could have produced over 95.5 million potentially lethal doses, enough to “kill every Canadian at least twice over.”
The lone charged suspect in the case of that superlab, Gaganpreet Singh Randhawa, will hear evidence related to his first major bail hearing in Surrey Provincial Court later today. The details of that bail hearing are covered by a publication ban.