The RCMP's federal serious and organized crime division used a search warrant to enter a Nanaimo home on Hammond Bay Rd. on Tuesday, Feb 4. The agency's Sgt. Warren Kahenbil said a substantial drug processing facility had been located. (Ian Holmes/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By Ian Holmes

drug lab

‘It’s a pretty big size:’ RCMP dismantle drug lab from north Nanaimo home

Feb 4, 2020 | 4:20 AM

NANAIMO — A drug bust described as “significant” by the RCMP’s Federal Serious and Organized Crime division is ongoing at a home in Nanaimo’s north end.

The agency’s Sgt. Warren Krahenbil told NanaimoNewsNOW police acted on a search warrant to uncover a drug processing facility inside a home on Hammond Bay Rd. near Piper Cres. on Tuesday, Feb. 4.

Krahenbil said it’s too early to comment on the amount or type of drugs involved.

He said three people were arrested on Kiara Pl. in Nanaimo in relation to the Hammond Bay Rd. investigation. Charges have not been laid, which “take some time” for federal drug investigations.

“It’s a pretty good size in there,” Krahenbil said, who added more details are expected to be released in the hours and days ahead.

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Krahenbil said the contents of the Hammond Bay Rd. home were still being searched Tuesday afternoon and couldn’t comment further on what police discovered.

“The area is safe and the RCMP will continue to ensure the home does not pose a public threat,” Krahenbil said.

Numerous police officers were seen retrieving evidence from the home in the 3900 block of Hammond Bay Rd on Tuesday morning.

Members of the RCMP’s clandestine enforcement and response team were filling a large transport truck on scene with items from the home.

Single-lane alternating traffic was in place as of mid-day Tuesday as a result of the police investigation.

More information will be released when it becomes available.

ian@nanaimonewsnow.com

On Twitter: @reporterholmes