B.C. crime news: Three charged over illicit fentanyl lab

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Here’s the latest crime news from around B.C. on May 14, 2024:

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Three face fentanyl trafficking charges: VPD

Three men are facing a slew of charges including trafficking and fentanyl production after Vancouver police busted an illicit drug lab a year ago.

The charges stem from the VPD’s Project Toluene, which was opened in January 2023 and investigated a group of people allegedly manufacturing and trafficking deadly street drugs throughout the region. It led to a bust at a Richmond home in April last year, where a drug lab was dismantled.

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“People continue to die in record numbers from toxic drugs that are manufactured and sold by organized criminals,” said Insp. Phil Heard, head of the VPD’s organized crime section. “As long as this is happening, we will focus our investigative energy on rooting out the people responsible for fuelling the toxic drug crisis.”

Three men face charges for their alleged roles in the criminal operation. Jason Conrad of Duncan is charged with fentanyl trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine and benzodiazepine and weapons offences. Liam MacRae and Erin Fineday, both of Richmond, are charged with fentanyl production and trafficking, and possession for the purpose of trafficking in fentanyl and meth.

“Criminal offences often have a multi-jurisdictional element,” said Richmond RCMP Insp. Mike Roberts in a statement Wednesday. “By working collaboratively in support of these operations, we are making our community as a whole safer for all.”

Suspicious driver sought in Richmond

Police in Richmond are trying to identify a driver who tried to talk to a female youth Tuesday morning before offering her a ride.

Richmond RCMP were called about a man in a vehicle who approached the youth in the 9400-block of Glenallan Drive at about 8 a.m.

The man is described as South Asian, in his mid-30s with a trimmed beard and his hair in a buzz cut. He was last seen driving east on Bakerview Drive in a silver two-door coupe.

Anyone who was in the area and has dashcam footage or information is asked to call Richmond RCMP at 604-278-1212.

jruttle@postmedia.com

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