Drug lab dismantled in Shawnigan

Shawnigan Lake RCMP seized these items, which they suspect were use to make illegal drugs such as methamphetamine, from a residence and outbuildings on Shawnigan Lake Road on Tuesday.

courtesy RCMP

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Police are on the search for a suspect after shutting down an illegal drug lab in Shawnigan Lake.

Shawnigan Lake RCMP seized drugs and cash at a home and its outbuildings in the 1600 block of Shawnigan Lake Road on Tuesday morning.

That’s where they found methamphetamine plus numerous chemicals in various states suspected to make methamphetamine, as well as suspected street-level mushrooms, ecstasy and marijuana.

“The outbuilding that house the majority of the chemicals has been sealed off and will require further examination,” an RCMP press release says.

“Experts in (illegal drug lab) investigations advise the materials were contained to the building and that there appears to be no environmental concerns at this time.”

Police say the property and surrounding area’s residences and seasonal cabins were checked, but the majority were empty.

Police executed the search warrant for the residence and its suspected drug lab — called a clandestine or clan lab — at about 11:35 a.m. Tuesday.

Shawnigan Mounties were joined by the North Cowichan/Duncan RCMP Police Dog service, B.C. RCMP Clandestine Lab Team, Island District Federal Drug Section, Island District RCMP, Shawnigan Lake Volunteer Fire Department, and the B.C. Ambulance Service.

“The search is a result of a two-day investigation,” the RCMP release adds. “The suspect in this matter is currently at large. A warrant for his arrest is being sought for assault, as well as several charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.”

A local environmental company came in after the investigation to remove all harmful or suspected harmful products, police say.

Shawnigan RCMP Sgt. Rob Webb, meanwhile, said other details such as why assault charges are becoming recommended, how police were tipped off about the lab, and information about the suspect, will be released later as the investigation is still active.