The RCMP has dismantled a massive international drug “superlab” in Canada, halting the production of 95 million potential doses of fentanyl, with alleged suspect Gaganpreet Randhawa now in custody, federal policing officials announced.
The Pacific Region RCMP detailed the extensive operation at a press conference in Surrey, B.C., following raids on multiple locations in Surrey and an advanced drug lab in Falkland, B.C., linked to a transnational organised crime syndicate.
Assistant Commissioner David Teboul described the bust as an “unprecedented” strike against this syndicate, which was allegedly involved in large-scale fentanyl and methamphetamine production.
On 25 October, RCMP officers executed search warrants at several sites, seizing record quantities of synthetic drugs, precursor chemicals, and a large cache of firearms, including 89 firearms, body armour, and $500,000 in cash.
Among the seized items were 54 kg of fentanyl, 390 kg of methamphetamine, 35 kg of cocaine, and 15 kg of MDMA.
RCMP also found a total of 89 firearms, including handguns, AR-15-style rifles and submachine-guns as well as small explosive devices, ammunition, silencers, high-capacity magazines, body armor, and $500,000 Canadian (US$359,000) in cash.
Most of these drugs originated from the Falkland lab, a high-capacity facility sophisticated enough to operate for months without resupply.
Police also seized over 5,000 litres and 10 tonnes of precursor chemicals, which could have been used to produce enough fentanyl to supply 95 million doses.
Assistant Commissioner Teboul highlighted the public safety threat posed by such quantities, noting it could have twice claimed the lives of every Canadian.
Investigators suspect the crime group was using the P2P manufacturing method for crystal methamphetamine, previously unseen in Western Canada but widely adopted by Mexican cartels. Police believe these drugs were intended for Canadian and international markets.
The investigation continues, with police uncovering connections between this operation and another recent seizure of 30 tonnes of precursor chemicals in Enderby, B.C. The RCMP acknowledged that the cleanup of the Falkland lab will add significantly to costs.
Police named Gaganpreet Randhawa as the alleged primary suspect, charging him with multiple drug and firearm offences. Randhawa remains in custody pending further investigation.
Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke commended the RCMP for their efforts, recognising the substantial impact of the bust on community safety.
Support Our Journalism
Global Indian Diaspora and Australia’s multicultural communities need fair, non-hyphenated, and questioning journalism, packed with on-ground reporting. The Australia Today – with exceptional reporters, columnists, and editors – is doing just that. Sustaining this needs support from wonderful readers like you.
Whether you live in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States of America, or India you can take a paid subscription by clicking Patreon and support honest and fearless journalism. LINK: https://tinyurl.com/TheAusToday