Drug lab dismantled, weapons cache seized in Abbotsford, B.C. gang unit says

The logo of B.C.'s Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, which probes gangs and organized crime, is seen in this image. (Credit: Twitter/cfseubc)

B.C.’s anti-gang police unit says it dismantled a drug lab and seized “a large cache of illegal weapons” while executing a search warrant in Abbotsford Thursday.

The Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of B.C. shared few details in a statement issued Friday evening. It did not specify where in Abbotsford the search took place, nor did it elaborate on the number or type of weapons or drugs seized.

Instead, the CFSEU-BC statement focuses on the impact the operation had on the community, explaining that the search required multiple specialized teams and took a long time.

The warrant was executed as part of “an ongoing firearms and drug trafficking investigation,” according to the unit, which said its Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team led the effort.

The Abbotsford Police Department and the heavily armed Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team assisted with the search.

While executing the warrant, officers located the drug lab, which necessitated calling in the RCMP Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response Team, the CFSEU-BC said.

The CLEAR Team ensured the property was safe for investigators and emergency personnel before the search could continue, according to the unit.

“Given the nature of the investigation, the execution of the search warrant required a co-ordinated and strategic approach to ensure the safety of the public, police officers, and all individuals involved,” the CFSEU-BC statement reads.

“High-risk operations such as this require extensive planning and consideration of a variety of factors before police action is taken.”

The unit acknowledged that the lengthy search caused disruptions for neighbourhood residents, some of whom had “limited access to their properties” during the operation.

“We understand that operations of this nature can be concerning for residents and disruptive to the surrounding community,” said Sgt. Sarbjit K. Sangha, in the statement.

“Our priority throughout this investigation has been public safety. The discovery and dismantling of a clandestine drug lab helps reduce the risks these dangerous operations pose to neighbourhoods, including exposure to hazardous substances, violence, and organized criminal activity. We appreciate the patience and cooperation of the community as investigators continue this important work to help keep our communities safe.”