Update (2024-08-07)
On August 2, 2024, a second clandestine laboratory was discovered in Dixville. It was dismantled with assistance from the Sûreté du Québec. The clandestine laboratory discovered on July 31, 2024, in Drummondville is still in the process of being dismantled and decontaminated, in collaboration with the Service de sécurité incendie de Montréal's hazardous materials team. The total number of counterfeit pills seized could now stand at over a million.
Montréal, August 1, 2024 - RCMP officers are currently dismantling a clandestine laboratory in Drummondville. This residence was likely used for producing counterfeit pharmaceutical pills. Several hundred thousand counterfeit pills thought to contain protonitazepyne have been seized.
Searches also led to the seizure of significant quantities of chemicals used to manufacture illicit pills, one pill press as well as sophisticated equipment for large-scale production. Three other residences in Sherbrooke and Dixville were also searched as part of the operation.
The investigation, launched in May 2024 by the Federal Policing – Eastern Region Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, resulted in the arrest of four individuals. They were met by our investigators and released pending further proceedings. They may later face charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, including production and possession of controlled substances for the purpose of trafficking.
Dangers of protonitazepyne
Some illicit pills intercepted during the investigation by our police officers resembled legitimate oxycodone pills. They were blue and bore the inscription M/30. Laboratory analysis showed, however, that unlike the original drug, the counterfeit pills contained protonitazepyne, a synthetic opioid around 25 times more potent than fentanyl. This drug is a central nervous system depressant. Laboratory analysis will be required to determine whether there is protonitazepyne in the pills seized today.