A stolen vehicle report led Vegreville RCMP to uncover a drug lab producing GHB, resulting in one arrest and the seizure of large quantities of illegal substances.
On April 17, officers responded to a complaint about a suspicious vehicle in Minburn County. The vehicle was confirmed stolen, and the man inside, Jeremy Donald Blackwell, 42, of Edmonton, was arrested. A search of the vehicle uncovered 700 ml of GHB.
Further investigation led police to a residence in Vegreville believed to be used for drug production. On April 19, armed with a search warrant, RCMP officers—alongside the Clandestine Laboratory Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) team and supported by local fire and EMS—raided the property.
Inside, police found 38 liters of 1,4-Butanediol, a GHB precursor, and 12 liters of GHB. The lab was dismantled, and warrants were issued for two additional suspects linked to the site, who remain at large.
Blackwell faces charges including possession of stolen property over $5,000, possession of GHB, and obstructing a police officer. He remains in custody and is scheduled to appear in Vegreville court on May 12.
“This was a dangerous operation, and thanks to a tip from the public and great teamwork, we’ve removed a serious threat,” said Staff Sergeant Collin Folk of Vegreville RCMP.
Superintendent Sean Boser added that dismantling clandestine labs goes beyond law enforcement—it’s about protecting the health and safety of entire communities.
RCMP urge anyone with information about the outstanding suspects to contact them or Crime Stoppers.
