Tip from the public leads police to fentanyl lab in Calgary

Organized crime investigators say a tip from the public has led them to a fentanyl lab in detached garage in southeast Calgary.

Three men and one woman now face drug-related charges.

The investigation began in November 2018 thanks to a tip from the public, Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) said in a release issued Wednesday.

On Jan. 18, the team found the lab in the detached garage of a home in the neighbourhood of Forest Lawn. RCMP clandestine lab specialists have dismantled and decontaminated the site.

Officials seized a pill press, fentanyl in pill and powder forms, dyes and chemical powders.

Police also searched a home in New Brighton and two storage lockers in Erin Woods, along with a vehicle.

Officials believe the drugs seized, including 902 fentanyl pills, 178 grams of fentanyl powder and 101 morphine pills, would be worth $75,000.

This piece of equipment was found in a suspect drug lab, ALERT says. (ALERT)

• Richard Chow, 30, has been charged with producing fentanyl, possessing a controlled substance for trafficking, possessing property obtained by crime and breach of conditions. 
• Kyle Bauch, 30, has been charged with producing fentanyl, possessing a controlled substance for trafficking, possessing property obtained by crime, unsafely storing a firearm and possessing a firearm without authority.
• Scott Connell, 38, and Shawna Foley, 37, each face a charge of producing fentanyl.

The Calgary Police Service assisted with the investigation, ALERT said.

ALERT asks anyone who suspects drug or gang activity to call local police or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.