RCMP bust Quebec lab producing mass quantities of counterfeit pills 25 times more powerful than fentanyl
The RCMP said it has busted a clandestine lab east of Montreal that was likely producing mass quantities of counterfeit pills believed to contain protonitazepyne, a synthetic opioid that is around 25 times more powerful than fentanyl.
The Mounties arrested four people after searching a home in Drummondville, Que. on Thursday. Three other homes were searched in Sherbrooke and Dixville.
RCMP officers dismantled the lab in Drummondville, Que., about 100 kilometres northeast of Montreal on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024. (Source: RCMP)
"Searches also led to the seizure of significant quantities of chemicals used to manufacture illicit pills, one pill press as well as sophisticated equipment for large-scale production," the police said in a news release.
The investigation into the lab started in May by the RCMP's Federal Policing – Eastern Region Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.
The four people who were arrested were released pending further legal proceedings. The RCMP said they may face charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA), including production and possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking.
The pills that were seized resembled real oxycodone pills and bore the M/30 inscription. Some of the counterfeit pills that were analyzed revealed they contained protonitazepyne but further analysis is needed, the Mounties said.
Health officials in Montreal warned the public about the drug in April. At the time, public health said it was starting to see the drug make the rounds and that it was responsible for at least one death.
In February, public health officials in Quebec City also issued a similar warning about the drug, saying that it posed a high risk of overdose and required several doses of the life-saving medication naloxone to counter its effects.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
Two men have been sentenced to 6 1/2 years in prison for their roles in the blockade of the Canada-U.S. border crossing at Coutts, Alta.
Quebec village preparing for 370 per cent hike in property taxes
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney to join Liberal Party as special adviser
Former Bank of Canada Governor Mark Carney will be joining the Liberal Party as a special adviser. In an official press release on Monday, the party says Carney will serve as the chair of a leader's task force on economic growth.
The iPhone 16, new AirPods and other highlights from Apple's product showcase
Apple squarely shifted its focus toward artificial intelligence with the unveiling of its hotly anticipated iPhone 16 along with a slew of new features coming with the next update to the device’s operating system. While the new phone lineup headlined Monday's showcase, the tech giant also shared updates to its smartwatch and AirPod lineups.
John and Matthew Gaudreau are mourned by the hockey community, family and friends at their funeral
John and Matthew Gaudreau were remembered as loving brothers and husbands who put family above hockey and everything else at a tearful funeral held Monday, a week and a half after they died when they were struck by a suspected drunken driver while riding bicycles in their home state of New Jersey.
BREAKING 'Peter Nygard is a sexual predator:' Former fashion mogul sentenced to 11 years in prison
Former Canadian fashion mogul Peter Nygard has been sentenced to 11 years in prison. The sentence was handed to Nygard, 83, by Ontario Superior Court Justice Robert Goldstein in Toronto on Monday. Last November, a jury found Nygard guilty of four counts of sexual assault following a six-week trial.
Harvey Weinstein undergoes emergency heart surgery
Former Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein was rushed to a hospital from a New York City prison on Sunday and underwent heart surgery on Monday, his representatives said.
Catherine, Princess of Wales, 'doing what I can to stay cancer free' after finishing chemotherapy
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has said she has completed her chemotherapy and is 'doing what I can to stay cancer free,' as she plans to return gradually to public life in the months ahead.