Clandestine drug lab busted by Hazmat team in Coquitlam
A number of chemicals and equipment were discovered after neighbour reported a funny smell
A suspected clandestine laboratory has been uncovered by a Hazmat team in Coquitlam, after a funny smell prompted neighbours to call police Tuesday.
Police, the fire department and the Hazmat team attended the residence in the 800 block of Westwood Street in Coquitlam, just off Como Lake Avenue after receiving a call around 9 a.m.
Staff Sgt. Rob Lemon said a number of chemicals and equipment were discovered, suggesting the property was being used as a large clandestine laboratory.
Police say they cannot be sure what exactly was being manufactured in the lab but they did see a man leaving the home. He was arrested but has not been charged.
"A couple of neighbouring homes were temporarily evacuated because we weren't sure how volatile the products were," said Lemon.
"The homeowners have since been allowed back in, after a brief search of the premises and the premises were secured."
The E Division Clandestine Lab team, Coquitlam RCMP drug section and fire department are all now involved in the investigation to determine what kind of chemicals were involved.
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