Explosives, weapons seized just as B.C. drug lab about to start operation, police say

British Columbia's gang squad has dismantled what they believe would have been a sophisticated illicit drug production operation. Police discovered large quantities of drugs, dozens of firearms, and a significant cache of 65 cubes of commercial explosives at a rural property in Abbotsford.

RCMP Sgt. Sarbjit Sangha of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit highlighted the disturbing nature of the explosives seizure. These materials are strictly regulated in Canada and typically only available to authorized blasting companies. The drug lab was reportedly under construction, and the presence of the explosives and illegal firearms elevated the public safety risks associated with the investigation.

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The discovery of explosives is especially disturbing because they are strictly regulated in Canada and only available to authorized blasting companies.

In addition to the weapons, officers found substantial amounts of drugs, including two kilograms each of fentanyl and methamphetamine, 64 liters of GHB, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, oxycodone, and benzodiazepine. The facility was poised to begin operations, making the seizure particularly timely.

Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the discovery. They have since been released pending the completion of the investigation. Sangha indicated that they could face charges related to drug production and firearms offenses. While she declined to comment on specific criminal organizations, she noted that the suspects are known to police and have prior criminal records.

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She says the drug lab was under construction and the facility, along with the explosives and illegal firearms, significantly elevated the public safety concerns associated with the investigation.