OTTAWA, June 9, 2015 /CNW/ - As a result of a RCMP Ottawa Detachment investigation in partnership with the Ontario Provincial Police, a fully operational Methylenedioxy-Methamphetamine (MDMA) clandestine laboratory was dismantled over the weekend in Montague, Ontario. MDMA is a central nervous system stimulant and if ingested can cause extreme health concerns.
Search warrants were executed at a property in Montague, Ontario as well as at a residence in Gatineau, Quebec.
Cassian POPA, 37, (Montague, Ontario) and Jonathan CAYER, 34, (Gatineau, Quebec) have been charged with drug related offences.
Over 100 kilograms of MDMA, weapons, cash and a substantial amount of precursor chemicals and equipment were seized. The ingredients seized have a potential yield of approximately 216 kg of MDMA (1,801,333 pills) and 265 kg of MDA (2,650,000 pills). 80 kg of MDMA were already manufactured and ready to be sold on the streets while the other 20 kg was in various stages of production. A loaded 9 mm handgun was seized in addition to a 50 caliber handgun and 12 gauge shot gun. $80,000 was also seized.
The laboratory was a large-scale sophisticated operation capable of producing industrial volumes of MDMA. The impact of dismantling this operation will have a positive effect not only on the streets of Ottawa but the Province of Ontario as a whole.
More than 70 first responders were present for the dismantling of the clandestine laboratory including: RCMP, OPP, Emergency Medical Response Teams, Health Canada, Lanark County Fire Department and Paramedic Services, Ottawa Fire Hazmat Unit, Provincial Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management and Urban Chemical Biological Radiological and Nuclear Response Team.
RCMP Superintendent Guy Rook, North East District Commander comments, "This was a very large seizure of synthetic drugs. Clandestine labs pose a huge risk to the residents who live nearby from fire, explosion and toxic chemicals. Clandestine labs and the drugs from them have a destructive impact on people, communities, and the environment, both in rural and urban areas. We will continue to target any clandestine labs."
"These arrests and seizures demonstrate the effectiveness of a strong partnership between our police services. Adapting the principles of Community Mobilization, we invite everyone to engage in activities and programs to eliminate the demand for such dangerous drugs" says OPP Superintendent Chris Nicholas of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.
High resolution photos are available on the RCMP in Ontario website.
The public plays a key role in ensuring community safety by supporting Community Mobilization, cooperating with the police and reporting information on any illicit activity.
Related links:
- Courage in Red : Clandestine Drug Labs in your Neighbourhood, part 1 (video)
- Courage in Red : Clandestine Drug Labs in your Neighbourhood, part 2 (video)
Website: RCMP in Ontario
Twitter: @RCMPONT
Facebook: RCMP.Ontario
YouTube: RCMPGRCPOLICE
SOURCE Royal Canadian Mounted Police
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Sgt. Penny Hermann, RCMP 'O' Division Media Relations, Tel: 416-992-4409; Sgt. Kristine Rae, Ontario Provincial Police, 613-285-5479
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