VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Authorities in Canada have reportedly shut down what they claim to be the most extensive and advanced illegal drug manufacturing facility in the nation.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) suspect that this operation was managed by organized crime groups, which were involved in the mass production and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine throughout Canada as well as to international markets.
Last week, law enforcement officials executed search warrants at the drug facility located in Falkland, British Columbia, along with several related sites in Surrey, near Metro Vancouver.
During the operation, police confiscated a staggering 54 kilograms of fentanyl, significant quantities of precursor chemicals, and 390 kilograms of methamphetamine, along with lesser amounts of cocaine, MDMA, and cannabis.
In addition, law enforcement seized a variety of firearms, totaling 89, which included handguns, AR-15-style rifles, submachine guns, along with small explosive devices, ammunition, silencers, high-capacity magazines, body armor, and a substantial amount of cash totaling $500,000 Canadian (approximately US$359,000).
One individual, identified as Gaganpreet Randhawa, has been arrested and is currently in custody facing multiple charges related to drug offenses and firearms.
The dangerous nature of fentanyl is highlighted by its role as a primary component in many deadly illegal drugs, contributing to nearly 48,000 fatalities across Canada between January 2016 and March 2024, as reported by the Canadian government.