Fentanyl labs dismantled in Pitt Meadows, Aldergrove, Mission: RCMP

Three separate fentanyl labs have been dismantled after numerous search warrants were carried out across the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley last month, the RCMP says.

Two suspects were arrested at one of the locations.

“The fentanyl production labs located in the cities of Pitt Meadows, Mission, and Aldergrove were equipped with specialized chemical processing equipment often found in academic and professional research facilities, with one of the arrested individuals claiming to be a chemist with an advanced degree in organic chemistry,” Mounties said.

Police say the labs were discovered between March 26 and 29 after search warrants were issued in five separate cities: Pitt Meadows, Mission, Aldergrove, Langley, and Richmond.

The action is a result of an investigation into B.C.-based organized crime that was launched in 2023, initiated to combat the importation of precursor chemicals and commercial lab equipment, the RCMP says.

“This interdiction has prevented several million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl from being produced and distributed across Canada,” said Chief Superintendent Stephen Lee.

“However, the discovery of commercial-grade chemistry equipment at all locations, in addition to the arrest of an individual who we suspect has a background in chemistry, points to a disturbing trend of progressively enhanced scientific and technical expertise, among transnational organized crime groups involved in the production and distribution of illicit drugs.”

Assistant Commission David Teboul points out, however, that there continues to be no evidence in this case and others that the labs are producing fentanyl destined for the United States. This comment comes after U.S. President Donald Trump’s continuing rhetoric about fentanyl being smuggled into Canada — a narrative he has used to justify tariffs imposed on Canada.

The investigation remains active, the RCMP says, with other evidence — including seized drugs and chemicals — still being processed.

— With a file from Michael Williams.