Vancouver – Three men have been charged following a 14-month Vancouver Police investigation into an illicit drug lab that was producing fentanyl and other deadly street drugs.

“People continue to die in record numbers from toxic drugs that are manufactured and sold by organized criminals,” says Inspector Phil Heard, officer in charge of VPD’s Organized Crime Section. “As long as this is happening, we will focus our investigative energy on rooting out the people responsible for fueling the toxic drug crisis.”

The criminal charges stem from Project Toluene, which was initiated by Vancouver Police in January 2023 to target a group of criminals that was manufacturing and trafficking illicit drugs at various locations throughout the region. The investigation led VPD to a drug lab inside a Richmond home, which was dismantled in April 2023 with assistance from Richmond RCMP.

Three men have now been charged for their alleged roles in the criminal operation.

Jason Conrad, of Duncan, is charged with:

  • Trafficking fentanyl, contrary to Section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Four counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and benzodiazepine, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Weapons offences contrary to Sections 88(1), 91(2) and 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada

Liam MacRae and Erin Fineday, both of Richmond, are each charged with:

  • Production of fentanyl, a controlled substance, contrary to Section 7(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Trafficking fentanyl, contrary to Section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
  • Two counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking in fentanyl and methamphetamine, contrary to Section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act

“This is a job very well done by the investigators at the Vancouver Police Department,” says Inspector Mike Roberts, Richmond RCMP Operations Officer. “Criminal offences often have a multijurisdictional element. By working collaboratively in support of these operations, we are making our community as a whole safer for all.”