by HT News Desk
In a groundbreaking operation, Canadian authorities have dismantled what they’re calling the “largest and most sophisticated” illicit drug lab in the country. On Friday, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) announced the arrest of Gaganpreet Randhawa, who is facing numerous charges related to drug trafficking, firearms possession, and organized crime.
The drug operation, believed to be one of the largest in North America, was involved in the mass production and distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine, both of which are highly addictive and dangerous substances. According to Canadian law enforcement, these illicit drugs were being produced for distribution across Canada and abroad.
Fentanyl, a potent opioid painkiller, is known for its extreme potency, with even small amounts being potentially lethal. It is a major contributor to Canada’s ongoing opioid crisis, which has claimed nearly 48,000 lives from overdoses between 2016 and 2024. Methamphetamine, also seized in the bust, is a powerful stimulant with a reputation for addiction and severe health risks.
The RCMP carried out search warrants last week in multiple locations, including a major drug lab in Falkland, British Columbia, as well as additional sites in Surrey. The bust led to the seizure of large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and firearms, further exposing the scale and sophistication of the operation.
RCMP officials, including Chief Supt. Stephen Lee and Asst. Commissioner David Teboul, discussed the severity of the crime at a press conference. They confirmed that Randhawa and his associates had been operating a large-scale production facility, putting countless lives at risk with their distribution of deadly drugs.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have emphasized the importance of dismantling such large criminal operations to protect public safety.