Mounties say two people are facing drug and production charges in connection with an alleged clandestine meth lab in Richmond that was raided by police in 2019.
Henry Chen faces charges of possession for the purpose of trafficking and multiple counts of production of a controlled substance, BC RCMP Federal and Serious Organized Crime (FSOC) said in a news release on Thursday.
Melissa Heska, meanwhile, faces multiple charges of production of a controlled substance.
According to Mounties, a search warrant was executed at a Granville Avenue residence on May 28, 2019 by the BC RCMP FSOC Major Projects team, with assistance from BC RCMP Federal Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response team.
Two people were arrested at the scene, where officers found and seized lab equipment and chemicals, numerous pails of liquid methamphetamine and by-products specific to methamphetamine production.
Methamphetamine in different stages of production was found throughout the seized liquids.
Mounties also seized 18 grams of finished methamphetamine along with the chemicals and equipment.
“Regardless of the amount of finished meth seized, the clandestine lab was capable of producing much more, as well as all the toxic, dangerous by-products that come with it,” FSOC said.
Furthermore, Supt. Richard Bergevin, officer in charge of FSOC Major Projects in B.C., said the lab was particular concern given its proximity to other residences.
“The production of meth is, in itself, an extremely dangerous process involving volatile chemicals that can explode or cause structure fires, putting unknowing neighbours at risk,” he said in a statement.
Chen and Heska's next court appearance is set for Sept. 15.
