'Breaking Bad' in Canada: Drug 'superlab' busted, Indian-origin man arrested

In a case reminiscent of the hit web-series 'Breaking Bad', the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) busted the largest drug "superlab" in Canada, marking a big blow to the transnational organised crime network in the country. Gaganpreet Randhawa, an Indian-origin businessman, was arrested during the raid.

According to the RCMP, the lab was outfitted with sophisticated equipment designed to produce large quantities of illicit drugs, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, meant for both Canadian and international distribution.

During the operation, RCMP officers seized a large volume of drugs and dangerous materials. Among the substances confiscated were 54 kilograms of fentanyl, 390 kilograms of methamphetamine, 35 kilograms of cocaine, 15 kilograms of MDMA, and six kilograms of cannabis.

The fentanyl alone, authorities reported, could have produced over 95 million lethal doses, with an estimated value of USD 485 million. In addition to the drugs, law enforcement also recovered firearms and explosives from the facility.

The superlab was discovered in Falkland, a rural area about 50 kilometers east of Kamloops in British Columbia. Investigators believe the lab was not only producing drugs for distribution across Canada, but was also a vital component of an international drug trafficking operation.

The RCMP launched an in-depth investigation into the syndicate with support from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The collaborative efforts of these agencies led to the interception of 310 kilograms of methamphetamine prepared for export, preventing the drug shipment from leaving Canadian borders.

"As part of our crackdown on the large-scale production, distribution, and international export of illicit drugs, our dedicated RCMP Federal Policing investigators have successfully neutralised what is believed to be the largest illicit fentanyl, and methamphetamine facility ever discovered by law enforcement in Canada," RCMP said in an official statement.

"This is undoubtedly a major blow to the transnational organised crime groups involved, and a great step towards ensuring the safety of Canadians, and the international community," it added.

With multiple search warrants executed and the involvement of federal policing units and organised crime teams, the RCMP considers this operation a historic milestone in its battle against organised drug syndicates.