RCMP Alert: Massive Clandestine Drug Lab Seized in Chilliwack
On April 14, 2026, Chilliwack RCMP released updated information on a major drug trafficking and production investigation that began in October 2025. The investigation, centered in Chilliwack, British Columbia, involved a large-scale clandestine drug laboratory on South Sumas Road, multiple residences, and storage lockers, and has resulted in two suspects remaining in custody.
Following extensive safety work and laboratory analysis, police have now confirmed the scope of the illicit drugs and chemicals seized. The quantities include large amounts of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and other controlled substances, along with thousands of kilograms of precursor chemicals and specialized lab equipment associated with organized crime-level drug production.
Official RCMP Details
The investigation stems from coordinated enforcement activity on October 2, 2025, when Chilliwack RCMP, supported by specialized RCMP units and partner agencies, executed several search warrants at:
- Residential properties in Chilliwack
- Storage lockers linked to the investigation
- A clandestine drug laboratory on South Sumas Road
Due to the hazardous nature of clandestine production sites, the dismantling and analysis phase took considerable time and required highly specialized support, including:
- Health Canada chemists for substance identification and safety handling
- The RCMP Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team (CLEAR) for safe dismantling and evidence processing
- Civilian hazardous waste specialists brought in from outside the province to manage a particularly dangerous chemical that posed a significant risk to public safety
Funding support through the Provincial Tactical Enforcement Priority (PTEP) program, managed by the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit – British Columbia (CFSEU-BC), covered several hundred thousand dollars in costs related to dismantling the lab and other policing expenses. The PTEP program focuses on individuals linked to gangs and organized crime who create the greatest risk and harm in communities.
Quantities of Drugs and Chemicals Seized
After completion of safety protocols and detailed review, investigators report the following seizures connected to this file (File #2025-6462):
- Approximately 39.31 kilograms of fentanyl, fluorofentanyl, fentanyl analogues, and mixtures containing fentanyl, estimated to represent over 391,100 individual doses
- Approximately 43.09 kilograms of methyl-methcathinone
- Approximately 2.9 kilograms of methamphetamine and mixtures containing methamphetamine
- Approximately 3.96 kilograms of MDMA, plus an additional 3,766 MDMA pills
- More than 5,000 kilograms of chemicals and precursor materials used in the production of controlled substances
- A significant quantity of clandestine lab equipment and production materials, including reactor vessels, glassware, evaporators, holding tanks, mixers, and a pill press
In a related enforcement action in November 2025, police seized an additional 50.47 kilograms of fluorofentanyl, believed to be connected to the same clandestine lab. This additional quantity is estimated to equal approximately 504,700 doses.
Suspects and Charges
Two men were arrested on October 2, 2025 in connection with this investigation:
- Justin Fauth, 35 years old
- Carlos Martinez, 37 years old
On October 3, 2025, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada approved the following charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act:
- Production of a controlled substance
- Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking
Both accused remain in custody and are still before the courts. In parallel, Chilliwack City Bylaw is applying its own cost-recovery mechanisms to address municipal cleanup and remediation expenses associated with the property and hazardous materials.
Residents who want to understand how this type of large-scale drug activity fits into broader crime patterns in the area can review the Chilliwack Crime Statistics & Safety Report, which provides additional context on local crime rates and public safety trends.
CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective
From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this investigation highlights the severe risks that large-scale synthetic drug production poses to communities across British Columbia. Beyond the direct dangers of fentanyl and related substances—often measured in lethal doses at microgram levels—clandestine laboratories can endanger neighbours through toxic fumes, chemical spills, and fire or explosion risk. These sites are often embedded in otherwise ordinary-looking properties, making community awareness crucial.
Community members in Chilliwack and across the province should remain attentive to signs of possible clandestine drug activity, such as strong chemical odours, covered windows, unusual ventilation setups, frequent short visits at all hours, or large deliveries of chemical containers or lab-style equipment. If you observe suspicious activity, report it to your local RCMP detachment or to Crime Stoppers using non-emergency channels, and never attempt to investigate or approach suspected sites yourself. Our mission at CrimeCanada.ca is to support safer neighbourhoods by connecting official enforcement actions like this one with accessible data, such as comprehensive Chilliwack-area crime and safety statistics, so residents can stay informed and engaged in community safety.
Official Source & Community Safety
This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the british-columbia community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.
Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.