On Friday, October 25, 2024, RCMP Federal investigators executed search warrants on a property police are referring to as a drug superlab in Falkland BC.
Police had been investigating a transnational organized crime group they believed was involved in the mass production and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Federal investigators are calling it the largest, most sophisticated drug superlab in Canada.
Leading this investigation is RCMP Federal Drugs and Organized Crime Group-6 team, with help from partnering agencies that include the Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response team (CLEAR), RCMP Emergency Response Teams, the South East District Tactical Troop, Kamloops RCMP, Vernon RCMP, and Surrey RCMP.
According to a RCMP media statement, the combined fentanyl and precursors seized at this facility could have amounted to over 95,500,000 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl.
Investigators also seized 89 firearms from the property, which included 45 handguns, 21 Ar-15-style rifles, and submachine guns several of which were loaded.
Several small explosive devices were also discovered as well as large amounts of ammunition, firearm silencers, high-capacity magazines, body armour, and $500,000 in cash.
The primary suspect has been identified as Gaganpreet Randhawa, who has been arrested and charged with several with drug, and firearms-related offences.
While one person has been arrested, the investigation is ongoing. In a statement from Insp. Jillian Wellard, Officer in Charge of Federal Policing Pacific Region, Drugs and Organized Crime, Group 6,
“As part of our crackdown on the large-scale production, distribution, and international export of illicit drugs, our dedicated RCMP Federal Policing investigators have successfully neutralized what is believed to be the largest illicit fentanyl, and methamphetamine facility ever discovered by law enforcement in Canada. This is undoubtedly a major blow to the transnational organized crime groups involved, and a great step towards ensuring the safety of Canadians, and the international community.”
