RCMP MAKE 'INCREDIBLE' DRUG BUST IN GATINEAU

RCMP officers uncovered "an incredible amount" of a substance that can
be used to make methamphetamine after searching a storage unit and
house in Gatineau yesterday, a spokeswoman said.

Officers found about 20 stainless steel barrels containing red
phosphorus, a substance used to make methamphetamine, after executing
a search warrant at Unit No. 2 of Entreposage JKP, at 178 Freeman Rd.,
at about 4:15 p.m, said Sgt. Monique Beauchamp.

The seizure was the largest of its kind by RCMP in the Outaouais, she
said.

Although red phosphorous can also be used to make matches and road
flares, the context of the police investigation and the quantity
seized likely means "this red phosphorus would have been for the
purpose of allowing someone to make methamphetamines," said Sgt. Beauchamp.

"Each of these ingredients, if you have the proper permits and your
licence, serves a good purpose.

"But when you don't have the licences and you're not using them for
legitimate purposes, that's when we get involved," said Sgt. Beauchamp.

At about 9:30 a.m. yesterday, hours before entering the storage unit,
police searched a house at [address redacted]. which police said was
"linked" to the owner of the storage unit.

They found corrosive and explosive chemicals in a garage, Sgt.
Beauchamp said.

About five neighbouring homes were evacuated because of the dangerous
nature of the chemicals involved, Sgt. Beauchamp said.

Gatineau police and firefighters helped to secure the area, and
residents were allowed to return to their homes at about 3:30 p.m.,
she said.

Sgt. Beauchamp could not name or say the quantity of the chemicals
found during the house raid.

Police yesterday arrested a man without incident in
Ottawa.

He had not been charged as of last evening, but is to appear in court
in Ottawa and Gatineau today.