RCMP members from all over Central Alberta, with the support of special RCMP units, executed a search warrant over the weekend and dismantled an illegal drug operation, arresting four individuals without incident.
The operation took place north of Stettler on Highway 601 early Saturday morning, Feb. 21 as police from across central Alberta descended on an old farm, where they discovered a methamphetamine lab set up in one of the buildings. Police dismantled the lab and seized equipment and chemicals used to make the drug.
Members from the Stettler, Bashaw and Killam RCMP detachments were joined by members from the RCMP Emergency Response Teams from Edmonton and Calgary, the RCMP CLEAR team, RCMP Air Services, RCMP Special Tactical Operations, Stettler Regional Fire and Rescue and Stettler Emergency Medical Services as they conducted the operation.
Four men were taken into custody without incident during the execution of the search warrant, and were known to police from previous warrant and arrests. During the opeeration, several firearms were also seized, Stettler detachment commander Sgt. Phil Penny said. One of the weapons seized was an SKS assault rifle, which was loaded with a 30-round magazine.
"The dangers surrounding meth labs revolve around the chemicals used in the production phase of the drug," Penny said. "The waste produced is corrosive, explosive, flammable if inhaled, ingested or absorbed through the skin. The dangers surrounding the production of this drug are attested to when the labs explode — a common form of detection of the labs."
Penny said that due to the lab's rural setting, the RCMP are working with provincial environment agencies to determine if any of the waste byproduct was disposed of into the ground of the property, and if there are any other environmental issues that need to be addressed.
Stettler Regional Fire and Rescue were on site both on Saturday and Sunday, ready to go into action should an explosion or other emergency require quick response. The team of firefighters also assisted the RCMP and other specialists and technicians by running the decontamination station, as all personnel entering the site had to be washed down before removing hazard suits.
Etienne Brugman, deputy fire chief, said that while the department has worked with RCMP before on drug-related incidents in the town and county, this is the first time they've had to stand ready at a methamphetamine lab.
"Decontamination is a vital part of a hazardous materials emergency response," Brugman said. "It is so important, in fact, that no one is permitted to enter a hazardous area until a decon(tamination) operation is set up and functional."
Firefighters also decontaminated tools used inside the building and bagged up gear that had been contaminated.
Anyone who with information about this or any other crimes are asked to phone Stettler RCMP at 403-742-3382 or anonymously contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).