RCMP bust 'substantial' drug lab

RCMP said Friday they uncovered a "substantial" synthetic drug operation in a Vancouver suburb.

The RCMP Federal Drug Enforcement Branch, with the assistance of the Richmond RCMP, searched a home at 21880 River Road in Richmond on Friday morning.

"The subsequent search revealed what is believed to be a substantial sized synthetic drug lab," said Cpl. Nycki Basra of the Richmond RCMP. "It can't be confirmed at this time as the materials have not been analyzed, however, investigators believe the drug being produced was ecstasy."

Police also found numerous firearms and explosives in the home, Basra said.

Four people are in custody.

"We expect investigators will be staying at the scene to dismantle the operation over the next couple of days," Basra said. "It's expected that a large quantity of drugs will be seized."

While the exact quantity of drugs is not yet known, the seizure is certainly one of the largest ever in Richmond, Basra said.

There is no immediate threat to public safety, Basra said, but people are being asked to avoid the area. Police expect the area around River Road and Old Westminster Highway will remain blocked off for several days.

"Because the nature of the materials there are such that it takes a long time, members can only go in for a certain amount of time and then they have to come back out," Basra said. "They have to be fully dressed in hazardous material suits and masks … so it's a very, very lengthy process."

The investigation will continue, Basra said, and further arrests and searches are expected.

It is believed the operation is linked to organized crime, Basra alleged.