A huge methamphetamine laboratory (crystal meth lab) has been discovered by police in the Toronto and Peel region, Canada. Authorities say it is the largest crystal meth lab ever to be discovered in Canada. The lab is located at Unit 13 of 1645 Sismet, in the west Toronto suburb of Mississauga, Ontario, in an industrial area near Pearson International Airport.
Heavily-armed police raided the lab on Tuesday afternoon after drug-squad investigators had been collaborating on the case. Staff Inspector Don Campbell, Toronto Police, said they had also received a number of complaints from people who live in the area regarding suspicious activity around the area of the lab. They had to wear protective white suits during the raid. Four people have been arrested.
Authorities say the laboratory is not a public health hazard and is currently being dismantled. The amount of product seized is being described as 'substantial'. The Toronto police say it will take several days to dismantle the lab.
Campbell said the lab appears to consist of two cookers. He added that a chemist from Health Canada is at the premises as the main focus at the moment is to stabilize the chemicals.
What is crystal methamphetamine (crystal meth)?
It is a colorless, odorless form of d-methamphetamine - a potent and extremely addictive synthetic stimulant. It usually looks like small fragments of glass or shiny blue-white stones. It can also be in powdered from.
As the user experiences a long-lasting euphoric effect, the likelihood of abuse is great.
Crystal meth is usually smoked using glass pipes, like the ones used by crack cocaine smokers. The user can also inject it. The user feels an immediate high which continues for 12 hours or more.
