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Major Drug Lab Dismantled by Canadian Authorities
Canadian law enforcement officials have announced the dismantling of what is described as the largest and most advanced illicit drug “super lab” in the nation. This operation resulted in a significant seizure of illegal firearms, synthetic drugs, and precursor chemicals.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) indicated that the sophisticated lab was allegedly run by organized crime, focusing on the mass production and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout Canada and beyond.
Last week, officers executed search warrants at the drug lab located in Falkland, British Columbia, as well as related sites in Surrey, in the Metro Vancouver area. The RCMP published several photographs capturing the operation, showing officers in protective gear recovering various items from the facility.
During their investigation, police discovered an astonishing 54 kilograms of fentanyl, along with large quantities of precursor chemicals and 390 kilograms of methamphetamine. Additionally, smaller amounts of drugs including cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis were also found.
In terms of weaponry, law enforcement seized 89 firearms, which encompassed handguns, AR-15-style rifles, and submachine guns, many of which were reportedly loaded and prepared for use. Police also recovered small explosive devices, ammunition, silencers, high-capacity magazines, body armor, and approximately $500,000 CAD (around $359,000 USD) in cash.
Authorities have arrested a suspect named Gaganpreet Randhawa, who is currently in custody and facing multiple charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses.
Jillian Wellard, Officer in Charge of Federal Policing Pacific Region, commented on the operation, stating, “This is undoubtedly a major blow to the transnational organized crime groups involved, and a great step towards ensuring the safety of Canadians and the international community.”
Fentanyl has been identified as a primary component in numerous lethal illicit drugs, contributing to nearly 48,000 fatalities across Canada from January 2016 to March 2024, according to government statistics. This recent bust follows closely on the heels of another significant operation where Canadian police announced the disruption of a transnational crime group. The RCMP had collaborated with the FBI over the past year to target a criminal network linked to the Mexican cartel, which had been responsible for trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Central and South America into Canada and beyond.
This identified network was also implicated in orchestrating murders across North America and laundering substantial amounts of money. The alleged leader of this group, Ryan Wedding, remains at large and is wanted by both Canadian and U.S. authorities.
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