Meth lab bust in Richmond

Methamphetamine lab operators in Richmond were caught red-handed Thursday night by the police.

The RCMP executed a search warrant in the 6200-block of Gibbon Road at around 6 p.m. Thursday based on results from an investigation launched in May.

"What we have here is what a Health Canada chemist has confirmed as an active, bubbling methamphetamine drug lab," said Cpl. Annie Linteau, RCMP "E" Division spokeswoman.

Linteau said four men and one woman have been arrested at the location.

"Three of the men tried to escape through the back, but they were eventually arrested," she said.

The suspects have been transported to the RCMP detachment where they remain in custody.

"Right now, the police, ambulance, fire department and Health Canada are at the scene, ensuring that the site is safe and secure," Linteau said. "We will maintain a presence throughout the night, and we’re likely to be here most of the day tomorrow for dismantling the operation."

There have been no charges so far and no information on the size of the operation.

Linteau added that there was a second search warrant executed at another apartment in Richmond in relation to the same investigation, but no one was arrested at that location.

"The investigation is ongoing and we can likely anticipate further arrests in relation to it,’ she said.

Linteau could not provide further details on the investigation nor on the location of the second search warrant. She said more details regarding the busted drug lab will be available tomorrow.