The RCMP dismantled a clandestine laboratory on Thursday producing hundreds of thousands of tablets of a synthetic opioid 25 times more powerful than fentanyl.
“This residence was probably used for the counterfeiting of pharmaceutical tablets. Several hundred thousand counterfeit tablets presumed to contain protonitazepyne were seized,” the police force reported in a press release.
Large quantities of chemicals were seized by the authorities during the operation. These are used in the manufacture of illicit tablets. The sleuths also recovered a tablet press as well as sophisticated equipment enabling large-scale production.
“Three other residences located in Sherbrooke and Dixville were also searched as part of the operation,” added the RCMP.
Investigators from the Federal Police’s Joint Organized Crime Unit in the Eastern Region have been working on the case since last May. Four people have been arrested.
“They were met by our investigators and were released pending further proceedings. They may later face charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Actincluding production and possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking.
Dangerous substance
The tablets discovered during the investigation were blue in color and had the writing M/30 on them, mimicking the appearance of a legitimate oxycodone tablet. However, laboratory analysis proved that, unlike the original drug, the counterfeit tablets contained protonitazepyne, a synthetic opioid approximately 25 times more potent than fentanyl.
“This is a central nervous system depressant belonging to the benzodiazepine family. Laboratory analysis will be necessary to determine whether protonitazepine is present in the tablets seized today,” the statement said.