A 35-year-old man has been arrested after Montreal police uncovered a drug lab — suspected of producing carfentanil — at a condo building in Montreal’s Griffintown Wednesday.
The suspect, who has not been charged, is scheduled to appear in court Thursday. A 33-year-old woman was interviewed by police and released “pending the outcome of the investigation.”
The SPVM operation began at 11 a.m. at the building near the intersection of Peel and Smith streets. About 50 residents from two floors were evacuated as a precaution, according to police spokesperson Jean-Pierre Brabant, and the underground parking in the building was evacuated as a safety measure.
Authorities believe the clandestine lab was producing carfentanil, a synthetic opioid similar to fentanyl but about 100 times more potent. The identification of the substance is not complete, and police did not share how much was seized.
“There’s going to be some analysis that’s going to be done by Health Canada, so we’ll be able to give you more information on the substance that was found,” Brabant said.
A second search was conducted in a residential unit on McGill Street. Police say additional searches are planned.
“The message is clear: the SPVM will not tolerate the production of drugs that poison our community,” said SPVM Cmdr. Pierre-Marc Houle. “This operation demonstrates our collaborative work with our partners and our ongoing commitment to tracking down those who endanger the lives of others.”
Police have begun dismantling the drug lab. It is being described as a “meticulous” process that could take up to two days.
“To mitigate the impact, residents affected by the demolition have been met with, and others will be met with later today. Discussions are also underway with partners,” the SPVM said in a news release.
The operation closed down Shannon Street, south of Wellington, as well as Smith Street, east of Peel. Motorists and cyclists were asked to avoid this area.
SPVM said the targeted operation comes after an investigation by SPVM’s narcotics unit. The provincial police and first responder agencies were also involved in the operation.
Editor’s note: The SPVM previously told CityNews two people were arrested. They later clarified the 33-year-old woman was interviewed but released.
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