Federal RCMP agents uncover clandestine drug lab in Nanaimo after year-long investigation

In an investigation that began in January 2019, federal RCMP officers have revealed the discovery of a clandestine drug lab in a Nanaimo residence.

According to Sgt. Warren Krahenbil, media spokesperson for the federal RCMP Serious and Organized Crime section, authorities executed two search warrants in Nanaimo on Tuesday, February 4th.

The first warrant was executed at a residential property in the 3900-block of Hammond Bay Road with the help of RCMP Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team.

There, officers found a “moderately sized” clandestine drug laboratory.

See also: Victoria Police arrest two alleged drug dealers, seize loaded firearms and ammunition (VIDEO)

No evacuations were necessary as police ruled out any risk to public safety while executing that warrant. The contents of the laboratory are being tested and the results will be released by next week.

About two hours later, officers executed a second search warrant at another residential property, this time located on Kiara Place.

Sgt. Krahenbil says that officers “found what they were looking for”, but declined to comment further on what that is.

In a phone interview with Victoria Buzz, he also added that three people were arrested in connection with this investigation.

The RCMP Serious and Organized Crime unit and Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team are both based in the lower mainland.

Members of both teams travelled to Vancouver Island to execute these warrants and carry out their investigation with the assistance of Nanaimo RCMP. They returned to the mainland on Wednesday.

More information to provide a clearer picture of their investigation and its results is expected to be released by next week.