Report Suspicious Activity To Help Thwart Harmful Clandestine Labs

The discovery of an illegal drug operation in south Langley earlier this month has the Langley RCMP and Township of Langley warning residents of the huge danger clandestine labs pose to people, property, and the environment, and the need to report any activity that appears suspicious.

“Are you aware what can happen in such operations? Do you know the consequences?” asked Bill Storie, the Township’s Senior Advisor to Council. “People need to know what the harm could potentially be and take action if they see something that doesn’t seem right.”

Clandestine labs used to produce drugs use chemicals that can cause fires and explosions, release toxic fumes, cause injury or death, and destroy property. They are also extremely hazardous to the environment, especially in rural locations, when dumped into water or soil.

“These illegal operations are potentially dangerous to the surrounding community, especially on farmlands where properties are on well water, and most - if not all - are on septic systems,” Storie said. “The improper disposal of chemicals on the property could have an adverse effect on the ground water and aquifers of neighbouring properties.”

On August 6, Langley RCMP and the CLEAR (Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response) Team were called to a five-acre property in the 24800 Block of 21B Avenue to dismantle a lab that had been discovered. Police and the Township are currently working with Environment Canada to clean up the damage caused, an undertaking which can cost millions of dollars and have far-reaching implications on the surrounding area.

According to the Langley RCMP, there are a number of signs the public should be on the lookout for, which could indicate a clandestine lab has been established. They include:

• The presence of industrial/commercial equipment and chemicals on residential properties
• Chemical and/or noxious odours emanating from a property
• The presence of a large amount of solvents that can easily be purchased from local hardware stores
• Unusual security precautions such as extremely high fences, Beware of Dog signs, and security cameras
• Visitors coming to the property late at night when it is easy to be undetected
• Residential garbage not being left curbside on garbage days and being driven off-site

“Each of these items in isolation may be legitimately explained,” noted Sergeant Bobby Cheung, NCO in charge of the Langley RCMP’s Drug Section, “however the combination of these indicators together may indicate that something untoward may be occurring, at which point the police should be contacted to investigate.”

Anyone who notices such suspicious activity should contact the Langley RCMP at 604-532-3200.

“Monitor your property, monitor your neighbours’ properties, and pay attention for foul odours,” Storie said. “These operations pose such a danger to the community. We all need to do our part. Don’t turn a blind eye.”

Media Inquiries:

Cpl. Holly Largy
Media Relations Officer
Langley RCMP Detachment - "Connected with our Community"
langley.rcmp-grc.gc.ca (English only)

22180 - 48A Avenue, Langley, BC V3A 8B7

Office: 604-532-3231
Cell: 778-991-7932
Fax: 604-532-3239
Email: holly.largy@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

For media inquiries on this or other Township of Langley topics, please submit your inquiry online at: tol.ca/mediainquiries.