Synthetic drug lab dismantled, 44 firearms seized in B.C. investigation

ABBOTSFORD — A large-scale clandestine synthetic drug laboratory has been dismantled and 44 firearms seized following an investigation by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia (CFSEU-BC).

The CFSEU-BC says its Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team began the investigation in February after identifying an individual believed to be involved in firearms trafficking and the production of controlled substances.

Multiple individuals were arrested following the dismantling of a large-scale clandestine synthetic drug laboratory that had ties to Abbotsford. (Image Credit: Supplied)

On May 21, investigators executed search warrants at multiple locations in Abbotsford, Surrey and Enderby. Investigators determined the synthetic drug laboratory was still under construction. Once completed, it’s believed it would have been capable of producing a variety of drugs, including fentanyl, methamphetamine, MDMA and GHB.

In a news release, police say among the items seized were approximately two kilograms each of fentanyl and methamphetamine, about 64 litres of GHB, cocaine, crack cocaine, heroin, MDMA, oxycodone, benzodiazepines, psilocybin, cannabis products and other controlled substances.

Investigators also seized 44 firearms, including privately made and prohibited firearms, 11 suppressors, over-capacity cartridge magazines, ammunition and 65 tubes of emulsion explosives.

Other seizures included 315 cannabis plants, drug precursors, packaging materials, trafficking ledgers and about $4,000 in cash.

Police also seized four gold bars, a gold coin, 32 silver bars, 74 silver coins, a stolen Chevrolet Silverado Trail Boss, five vehicles, a motorcycle and multiple electronic devices.

Four people were arrested during the investigation. All have been released pending further investigation, and charges are anticipated. Mounties say they are confident the investigation significantly disrupted an organized crime operation.

The CFSEI-BC acknowledged the assistance of a number of police organizations, including the Abbotsford Police Department, several RCMP teams and the Canada Border Services Agency over the course of the investigation.