An India-origin man, Gaganpreet Singh Randhawa, has been arrested in connection with the largest illegal drug lab in Canada, following a major operation by a specialised unit of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Authorities expect more arrests as the investigation continues.
The operation led to the seizure of unprecedented amounts of drugs, precursor chemicals, and firearms from various locations in Metro Vancouver. Investigators confiscated 54 kilograms of fentanyl, 390 kilograms of methamphetamine, 35 kilograms of cocaine, 15 kilograms of MDMA, and six kilograms of cannabis. “The 95 million potentially lethal doses of fentanyl seized could have taken the lives of every Canadian at least twice over,” said Assistant Commissioner David Teboul, head of RCMP federal policing in British Columbia, at a press conference.
In addition to the drugs, authorities seized 89 firearms, including numerous handguns, AR-style assault rifles, and submachine guns, many of which were loaded and ready for use. The haul also included explosive devices, large quantities of ammunition, silencers, high-capacity magazines, body armour, and $500,000 in cash.
The cocaine was traced to a location in Surrey, while most of the drugs were sourced from the lab in Falkland, B.C. The RCMP executed search warrants on the superlab in Falkland and related sites in Surrey on October 25, 2024.
This bust is a significant blow to the transnational organised crime group behind the operation, severing an estimated $485 million in profits, Teboul said.
Randhawa faces multiple charges, including the export and possession of controlled substances, and possession of firearms and explosive devices.
Teboul highlighted the complexity of the lab, which utilised a production method associated with Mexican cartels, a first for Western Canada. The dismantling and cleanup of the Falkland lab have already exceeded $1 million, straining RCMP resources funded by Canadian taxpayers.
The synthetic drugs produced at the lab were reportedly intended for both domestic distribution and export, though Teboul did not disclose potential destination countries. A related search warrant was also executed in Surrey.
Randhawa is currently in custody and has been charged with six offences under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act and the Criminal Code of Canada.