RCMP display equipment seized in raid on Burnaby fentanyl lab
Lab was capable of producing about 18,000 tablets an hour
The RCMP has shut down a high-volume fentanyl lab in Burnaby before it managed to become fully operational.
Police seized a pill press capable of producing 18,000 tablets an hour among other equipment, said Staff Sgt. Duncan Pound.
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Equipment found in the 5900 block of 10th Avenue during the Jan 7 raid and seizure, was displayed at a press conference on Thursday.
Riley Goodwin, 26, of Vancouver, was charged in June with production and possession of drugs for the purpose of trafficking. His trial is scheduled for 2016.
The investigation started when the Canada Border Services Agency intercepted a pill press in November of 2014 through the Vancouver International Airport's air cargo facilities.
Equipment, pills, money seized
The RCMP's federal Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team also seized commercial pill coating and sorting machines, a cocaine press, $35,000 and enough fentanyl pills to put 200 to 300 people's lives at risk, police said.
"Synthetic street drugs are always dangerous and pose a significant risk to public safety," said RCMP Inspector Mike Carlson.
"Federal policing investigators in BC remain focused on high-level organized crime groups seeking to profit from selling these controlled drugs and will continue to work in close partnership with the Canada Border Services Agency and others to identify targets."
The RCMP are asking for anyone with information about a possible clandestine lab, or the importation, or production of drugs to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.