The Royal Canadian Mounted Police have charged seven people following an investigation that led to the dismantling of a synthetic drug lab in northern Ontario and the seizure of more than $550,000 of suspected controlled substances. The news comes a few weeks after the RCMP were seen working in Sturgeon Falls, Ont., along with the Ontario Provincial Police, York Regional Police, Niagara Regional Police Service and the Ontario Fire Marshal. In a news release dated July 9, the Mounties said that their organized crime unit worked with other police agencies on the case. The investigation “uncovered a network of individuals operating a clandestine drug laboratory on a property along the Trans-Canada Highway in Sturgeon Falls.” Search warrants were executed June 18 on multiple residences in the community. “Officers located and dismantled an active clandestine drug-producing laboratory and seized approximately 42 kg of suspected MDMA, seven kg of suspected methamphetamine, and controlled precursors,” the RCMP said. “Subsequent search warrants, including within three sea-can shipping containers, uncovered an additional 540 kg of suspected controlled precursor chemicals and catalysts commonly used in the production of synthetic drugs.” Other chemicals used in making meth – and for making explosives – were seized, including gamma-butyrolactone, used in the production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate and nitric acid. “These hazardous and highly corrosive substances were stored in unsafe conditions, posing significant risks to public safety and first responders,” the release said. The suspects include one person from Sturgeon Falls, one from Nobleton, two from Niagara Falls, one from Markham, Scarborough and Longueuil, Que., they have been charged with several offences in the case, including drug trafficking and drug production. Details of the suspects and the full list of charges can be found here. “The dismantling of this synthetic drug lab is a significant disruption to criminal activity in Ontario,” RCMP Supt. Chris McGillis said in the release. “By removing these drugs, precursor chemicals and production capabilities from circulation, investigators have helped prevent substantial harm to our communities. This outcome is a testament to the strong partnerships and collaborative efforts of all agencies involved in this investigation.” “Synthetic drug labs present significant safety concerns and require specialized investigative and response capabilities,” added OPP Chief Supt. Mike Stoddart. “Through the expertise of the investigators involved, this laboratory was safely dismantled, preventing further production and reducing the risks associated with these dangerous substances. The success of this operation reflects the strength of intelligence sharing and coordinated enforcement efforts between policing partners.” If you have any information related to clandestine labs, drug trafficking or wish to report other criminality, you can call Ontario RCMP at 1-800-387-0020 or make a report anonymously through Crime Stoppers. With files from CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca journalist Eric Taschner
