Charges Laid In Meth Lab Bust

Charges have been laid and a crystal meth lab has been shut down after its discovery on Friday by members of the Nanaimo Property Crime Unit.

Six individuals face charges ranging from Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking(PPT) and Production of a Controlled Substance under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA). Three adults, two males and one female, were released from custody on Saturday on Promises to Appear, however, this morning charges were formally laid against the three. Three other adults including the property owner were held in custody and will be making an appearance in Nanaimo Provincial court later today.

The six individuals and the charges laid against them are as follows:

Paul Wilfred LEE age 33 Nanaimo-PPT and Production; Richard Peter BUDER age 55 Surrey-PPT and Possession; Dang Hung NGUYEN age 36 Surrey-PPT and Possession; Wayne Cameron MAY age 42 Nanaimo- Possession; Fred Joseph FOERTER age 42 Nanaimo-Possession; and Misty Dawn CRANDON age 23 Salt Spring Island/Nanaimo-Possession.

The EDIV Clandestine Lab response team concluded their dismantling of the lab at 9:00 PM on Friday night. While their operation was ongoing, members of the Property Crime Unit continued their search of other buildings and vehicles. Through their efforts, they were able to locate not only the crystal meth and materials used in its production but also a small quantity of heroin and marihuana. Evidence was also found to support the belief that stolen wire was being brought to the property, stripped, burned then resold. “The clandestine lab was safely dismantled and taken out of business. As is often the case, this property was an extremely active criminal operation and we’re sure the surrounding property owners are pleased it is no longer open for business,” said Constable Gary O’Brien, media spokesperson for the Nanaimo RCMP.