Charges have now been laid against three individuals in connection with a methamphetamine drug lab operating near Rock Creek, 34 kilometres east of Osoyoos, following an RCMP investigation.
The lab was shut down on March 1, 2017. Members of the RCMP Federal Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team (CLEAR) with the support of other RCMP Federal and Serious Organized Crime (FSOC) teams and regional detachments executed a search warrant on the rural property, seizing a significant quantity of illicit drugs, numerous weapons and arresting two men.
The suspects were released from custody as the investigation continued. They were later arrested and charged along with a third suspect at the conclusion of the investigation.
RCMP seized five long barrel firearms, two handguns, 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, 20 – 30 kilograms of methamphetamines in various stages of production, and 75 kilograms of ephedrine tablets which could produce 57 kilograms of methamphetamine from the lab.
RCMP seized five long barrel firearms, two handguns, 20 kilograms of methamphetamine, 20 – 30 kilograms of methamphetamines in various stages of production, and 75 kilograms of ephedrine tablets which could produce 57 kilograms of methamphetamine from the lab. (Contributed photo)
“While at the scene investigators saw signs of the dumping of hazardous waste created during the production of illegal drugs,” Sgt. Warren Krahenbil of the RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime unit said.
CLEAR contacted Emergency Management BC to advise them of the potential health impacts and environmental damage. CLEAR investigators worked closely with the Ministry of Environment in order to allow access to the contaminated area, so water and soil samples could be obtained for analysis.
CLEAR investigators also supplied a comprehensive list of chemicals located in the clandestine laboratory to the Ministry of Environment to expedite their analysis of the contamination and extent of the environmental damage. The property is undergoing remediation and monitoring by the Ministry of Environment.
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime has defined a clandestine lab as a Super Lab when it is capable of producing 5 kg of finished product within a 24-hour period.
“The sophistication and size of this particular lab meets and exceeds this standard,” said Krahenbil.
Investigators continued their investigation and forwarded a report to the Public Prosecution Service of Canada for their assessment of Criminal charges. On July 27, 2018, charges were sworn against three individuals.
Dylan Frederick Crossland-Schmode, Jordon William Herron-Paugh and Dustin Gordon Paugh, all of West Kelowna, were each charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, production of a controlled substance, possession for use in production of a controlled substance, careless storage of a firearm and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
The three accused had a first appearance in court in Grand Forks on August 14 and have been released pending trial.
“This lab was extremely large and complex. Stopping this lab from further production will have a positive impact on the environment,” said Sgt. Derek Westwick. “It will also have a positive impact in Western Canada by keeping these drugs off the street.”
