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West Kelowna Mounties find cannabis extraction facility during wildfire evacuation

West Kelowna RCMP discovered a cannabis lab Aug. 21, 2021 when they were helping with the evacuations for the Mount Law wildfire. West Kelowna RCMP

West Kelowna Mounties say they came across a cannabis extraction facility last week when they were helping with an evacuation around the Mount Law wildfire, sparking what’s now an ongoing investigation.

“This was an all-hands-on-deck situation, and a BC Conservation Officer was assisting us in evacuating people in the area of Mackinnon Road,” Staff Sgt. Duncan Dixon of the West Kelowna RCMP said in a press release.

“In the process of the evacuation, this officer reported seeing indications of a drug lab at one of the residences.”

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Members of the West Kelowna RCMP General Investigation Section immediately entered into an investigation with the assistance of the E Division Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team and, just three days after the evacuation, a warrant was executed on the property on Aug. 24.

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“As a result of this search, evidence consistent with an alleged cannabis drug extraction lab was located and seized from the property,” Staff Sgt. Dixon said.

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No charges have been laid at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.

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If you have information regarding a suspected drug lab, call West Kelowna RCMP at (250) 768-2880.

Should you wish to remain anonymous, please call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

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