Date rape drug lab shut down east of Edmonton: RCMP

RCMP have located a lab producing what is commonly known as a date rape drug east of Edmonton.

RCMP have shut down a lab they say was producing GHB - also known as a date rape drug - in Vegreville.

Mounties were led to the lab after a traffic stop in Minburn County on April 17, where officers arrested a man inside a vehicle that had been reported stolen.

Officers found 700 ml of GHB during a search of the vehicle and RCMP said “further investigation” led to a home in Vegreville where they discovered a drug lab.

The home was searched with Vegreville Fire and EMS on standby in case of fire. Mounties said they found 12 litres of GHB and 38 litres of suspected 1,4-Butanediol, which is used to make GHB.

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GHB is a central nervous system depressant which can cause memory loss, loss of consciousness or the inability to move while being conscious.

The colourless, odourless liquid or white powder can be added to a drink without a person knowing, and the Government of Alberta classifies it as a date rape drug.

The lab was dismantled and arrest warrants were issued for two people linked to the home.

“Thanks to the public, and the great work done by Vegreville RCMP members, local partners and the RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region’s CLEAR team, we were able to dismantle a lab that was producing drugs that could have had a very negative impact on our community and those around us,” said RCMP Staff Sgt. Collin Folk.

“When it comes to dismantling clan labs, which are highly toxic environments, it’s not just about taking down illegal operations – it’s about protecting entire communities,” said Supt. Sean Boser, the officer in charge of federal serious and organized crime.

The man who was arrested in the vehicle, a 42-year-old Edmonton man, has been charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, possession of GHB and obstructing a police officer. He is expected at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on May 12.

RCMP have not released any information on the two people wanted in connection with the home where the lab was found, including what charges they are facing.

Vegreville is 95 kilometres east of Edmonton.