RCMP Federal Policing dismantles drug superlab, 5 charged

B.C., Federal Policing

2024-08-14 08:30 PDT

File # 2022-7096

Charges have recently been approved against 5 BC men in relation to a complex multijurisdictional investigation conducted by the Pacific Region Federal Policing Program’s Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) team. The investigation led to the search of 4 properties which resulted in the locating and dismantling of a large sophisticated synthetic drug lab, and the seizure of 49 kilograms of MDMA (Ecstasy).

In the spring of 2022, the RCMP Pacific Region Federal Policing Program began an investigation that led to the identification of multiple persons and properties believed to be involved in the production, and trafficking of MDMA. On August 17, 2022, the CLEAR team, with the assistance of other RCMP units, executed 4 search warrants on properties located in the cities of Maple Ridge and Coquitlam, BC. As a result, police arrested 5 people on scene and located a large sophisticated economic-based synthetic drug lab that was capable of producing multi-kilograms of MDMA per cycle. In total, 49 kilograms of MDMA were seized, with additional precursor chemicals capable of potentially producing a further 80 kilograms of MDMA. A Mercedes-Benz G-Class SUV, a Tesla 3, and over $51,000 cash were also seized.

Dennis Halstead, Shawn Cappis, Balbinder Johal, Richard Waugh, and Christopher Alves have all since been charged with multiple offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), with court appearances scheduled for August 14, 2024.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) identifies a streel level dose of MDMA as containing between 50 to 150 milligrams of MDMA. When the potential yield of the precursor chemicals is combined with the MDMA seized, this seizure has prevented an estimated 2.5 million doses of MDMA from entering our communities.

Access and availability to illicit synthetic drugs is a primary factor in many deaths. These drugs come from unsanctioned, uncontrolled, and profit driven facilities. MDMA can pose major health risks to its users, possibly leading to overdose and death. MDMA is also often found mixed with other substances which can result in further risk of exposure to tainted drugs. This is why the RCMP Pacific Region Federal Policing Program is unequivocally committed to preventing illicit synthetic drugs, including MDMA from destroying more lives.

Source: Inspector Jim Leonard, Acting/Officer in Charge of the RCMP Pacific Region Federal Policing - Border Integrity Program.

The CLEAR team is a specialized unit that conducts project-based investigations focusing on the production of synthetic drugs, the diversion of chemical precursors and equipment from legitimate industry, and operators of clandestine drug labs. The CLEAR Team also responds to and assists all police agencies along with other provincial/federal government agencies throughout British Columbia and the Yukon Territory with clandestine drug production related investigations.

If you know anyone you know may be struggling with addiction, you can seek assistance through the BC Alcohol and Drug Information and Referral Service Line at 1-800-663-1441. And if you have information about a crime and wish to report it, you may contact your local police agency, or report it anonymously by calling BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

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Email: shawn.macneil@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

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