EDMONTON – Police are investigating after performing simultaneous raids on three properties that they suspect are connected to one or more drug labs.
Police executed the three search warrants on Wednesday afternoon. On Friday, at one home near Beaumont, the RCMP’s specialized Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team (CLEAR) continued to comb through evidence.
Officers wearing what appeared to be hazardous materials suits brought out bags of powder from buildings on the acreage. They could be seen sorting evidence and conducting tests on it.
Micheal Tucker with Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) said he cannot say exactly what investigators have recovered or if they have found any drugs.
However, “there was a wide variety of precursors and powders that require further analysis.” The analysis could take some time, Tucker added.
“You’re dealing with unknown chemicals and it’s going to be a lengthy process to analyse that and determine exactly what they’re dealing with.”
Seven people were arrested. All have since been released.
Watch below: ALERT releases video of investigation into possible clandestine drug lab on property in Leduc County
Others living in the rural subdivision near Beaumont said they were surprised when they watched the police move in on Wednesday.
They never saw anything out of the ordinary at the home that is now swarming with police.
Gavin Armstrong lives two doors down from the suspected drug lab.
“There’s really no traffic out here so it’s really surprising that it’s been happening out here and no one is noticing. But I guess that’s what happens when people keep to themselves.”
Another neighbour finds it unnerving to see the precautions police are taking.
“We don’t know what they’re building or what they’re making out there,” said Erwin Chitrinia. “It could be anything. And what effects could it have on anybody in the area?”
Police expect to remain on scene until Saturday.
Police also raided a property in southeast Edmonton and one in Red Deer County. The three sites are all connected to the same investigation but investigators will not say how.
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