Production and storage facilities being processed by Health Canada chemists, police
Two men are in custody and facing charges related to trafficking fentanyl in Chilliwack following a targeted investigation by multiple police agencies.
Search warrants were executed on Oct. 2 at two residences, two storage lockers, and a clandestine laboratory located on South Sumas Road in Chilliwack.
The Chilliwack RCMP's Crime Reduction Unit executed the search warrants as part of an ongoing drug trafficking and production investigation, an RCMP press release explained. The unit was supported by the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team (LMD IERT), the RCMP Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response Team (CLEAR), Chilliwack Serious Crime Unit, and the General Investigation Section (GIS).
"This investigation began in early 2025 following intelligence gathered by the Priority Target Team in late 2024," wrote Sgt. Alexandra Mulvihill of the Upper Fraser Valley Regional Detachment. "Surveillance and investigative techniques led officers to identify 35-year-old Justin Fauth and 37-year-old Carlos Martinez as key suspects involved in the distribution of fentanyl in the Chilliwack area."
The two men were arrested after leaving the property on the day of the searches. Their vehicles were also seized. Subsequent searches uncovered a functioning fentanyl/MDMA laboratory, suspected fentanyl, and significant quantities of precursor chemicals and equipment.
Mulvihill said that Health Canada chemists and members of E Division CLEAR remain on site "to safely dismantle and process the lab."
"The storage lockers have been secured and will also be processed by CLEAR," she said.
Many social media users have been sharing images of the heavy police presence on the property for several days now.
"Fentanyl trafficking and its production pose a serious risk to the community however the locations have been secured by police who are processing with specialized resources and the two suspects are currently in custody," Mulvihill said. "There are no road or area closures in effect."
The day after the searches, the Public Prosecution Service of Canada (PPSC) approved charges under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) for production and possession for the purpose of trafficking against both suspects. Fauth and Martinez appeared in Chilliwack Provincial Court and were remanded in custody.
The investigation remains active and ongoing. Due to the number of locations involved and the complexity of safely processing a clandestine lab, RCMP presence will continue in the area for the foreseeable future, Mulvihill said.
"We understand the public's concern and curiosity regarding the activity at 44843B South Sumas Road," she said. "We appreciate the community's patience as we work to ensure the safety of our officers and the integrity of the investigation. Our priority is to provide accurate and responsible updates as the investigation progresses."
She added that a further media release will be issued once all searches are complete.