As part of an investigation that led to the seizure in Montreal of more than two million suspected methamphetamine tablets in late February, police from the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU) executed a search warrant at a Laval residence on March 17, resulting in the discovery of an estimated 1,750,000 additional tablets of suspected methamphetamine.
According to a statement issued by the RCMP, the tablets were located in an unoccupied house in Laval suspected of having been used for the sole purpose of storing drugs.
The Laval raid followed a police operation which was executed in late February at a clandestine laboratory in the Borough of Saint-Laurent in Montreal, where more than two million suspected methamphetamine tablets were seized in a commercial space described by the RCMP as “likely used for synthetic drug production.”
Significant quantities of chemicals used in the production of illicit tablets, two pill presses and sophisticated equipment for large-scale production were also seized, said the force. An investigation, which began in December 2023, led to the arrest of five individuals.
They were interviewed by RCMP investigators and released pending further proceedings. They face charges under the federal Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including production and possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking.
According to the RCMP, clandestine laboratories can be found in a variety of locations, such as homes, garages and warehouses.
The force notes that clandestine labs pose a great danger not only to those who operate them, but also to neighbors and first responders because of the toxic and potentially volatile nature of the chemicals and substances found there.
If you suspect illegal drug activity in your community, including clandestine labs, drug purchasing or toxic waste dumping, contact your local police service or Crime Stoppers (toll-free) at 1-800-711-1800.
