Drug lab operating next to an Ontario highway knocked down

A large synthetic drug lab operating next to an Ontario highway was knocked down.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they uncovered a network of individuals operating a clandestine drug laboratory in June.

The lab was discovered on a property along the Trans-Canada Highway in Sturgeon Falls, the RCMP said in a press release on July 14. Sturgeon Falls is about 90 kilometres east of Sudbury.

The RCMP said they worked in collaboration with the Ontario Provincial Police in the investigation.

Police said officers executed a series of search warrants at multiple locations on June 18.

Officers located and dismantled an active clandestine drug-producing laboratory and seized approximately 42 kilograms of suspected MDMA, seven kilograms of suspected methamphetamine, and controlled precursors.

The drugs are estimated to be worth $550,000, the RCMP said.

An additional 540 kilograms of suspected controlled precursor chemicals and catalysts commonly used in the production of synthetic drugs were found in three sea-can shipping containers, police said.

Among the seized chemicals were gamma-butyrolactone, used in the production of gamma-hydroxybutyrate and nitric acid, a substance associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine and explosives, police said.

These hazardous and highly corrosive substances were stored in unsafe conditions, posing significant risks to public safety and first responders, the RCMP said.

Police discovered a drug lab on a property along the Trans-Canada Highway in Sturgeon Falls. Photo: RCMP

“The dismantling of this synthetic drug lab is a significant disruption to criminal activity in Ontario,” said RCMP Superintendent Chris McGillis. “By removing these drugs, precursor chemicals and production capabilities from circulation, investigators have helped prevent substantial harm to our communities. This outcome is a testament to the strong partnerships and collaborative efforts of all agencies involved in this investigation.”

Seven people face charges related to trafficking and the production of illegal drugs.

Brian Luong, 48, of Nobleton, Sebastian Toulouse, 31, of Sturgeon Falls, Jason Brian Kaye, 53, of Niagara Falls, Danika Landry, 34, of Niagara Falls, Pierre-Yves Fleury, 38, of Longueuil, Quebec James Wen Liu, 45, of Markham, were charged.

Danika Landry was released on an undertaking with conditions. Sebastian Toulouse and James Wen Liu were released on bail conditions. Brian Luong was remanded in custody. Jason Kaye, Pierre-Yves Fleury and Hang Lin are awaiting bail hearings.

The RCMP thanked its partners, including the OPP, York Regional Police, the Niagara Regional Police Service, the Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal for their support and collaboration on this investigation.