Montreal police dismantled a suspected carfentanil lab in a Griffintown condo, evacuating 50 residents during the operation.
Montreal police have dismantled a suspected synthetic drug laboratory inside a condominium building in the city’s Griffintown neighbourhood, forcing dozens of residents from their homes while officers secured the scene.
The operation began Wednesday morning as part of a targeted investigation by the Service de police de la Ville de Montréal’s (SPVM) narcotics unit.
Police believe the laboratory was being used to produce carfentanil, an extremely potent synthetic opioid related to fentanyl. The operation took place near the intersection of Peel and Smith streets.
Around 50 residents from two floors of the condominium building were evacuated as a safety precaution. The building’s underground parking area was also temporarily cleared.
Police closed nearby sections of Shannon Street, south of Wellington Street, and Smith Street, east of Peel Street, while the operation was underway.
The evacuation was considered necessary because of the potential risks associated with dismantling a clandestine drug laboratory.
A 35-year-old man was arrested during the operation and later appeared in court by video. He was charged with drug trafficking. Another 33-year-old woman was also initially reported as having been arrested. Police later clarified that she was interviewed and released while the investigation continues.
The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released the identities of either individual. Investigators believe the laboratory was producing carfentanil, a synthetic opioid that is substantially more potent than fentanyl.
However, police stressed that the substance had not yet been conclusively identified. Samples seized during the operation are being analyzed by Health Canada.
Authorities have also not disclosed how much suspected carfentanil or other substances were recovered.
Police described the process of dismantling the laboratory as meticulous because of the potential hazards associated with the equipment and substances inside the unit.
The operation was expected to continue for more than a day and could take up to two days to complete. A second search was also carried out at a residential unit on McGill Street, with police saying additional searches were expected.
The operation involved the SPVM, the Sûreté du Québec, Urgences-santé and Health Canada.
SPVM Commander Pierre-Marc Houle said the operation demonstrated the force’s efforts to locate people involved in producing drugs that pose a danger to the public.
For residents affected by the evacuation, authorities said arrangements were being made to limit the disruption while the laboratory was dismantled and the building was made safe.
The investigation into the suspected drug production operation remains ongoing.
Source: The Gazette
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