GHB lab in Nanaimo busted after investigation into dark web drug trafficking

After a yearlong federal investigation into drugs being sold on the dark web, RCMP busted a drug processing lab and arrested three suspects on Vancouver Island.

B.C. RCMP explained in a news release issued today (February 13) that back in January 2019, RCMP Federal Serious and Organized Crime (FSOC) launched Project EPateriform, an investigation into online drug trafficking on the dark web (which is accessible only by using special software or authorization and users remain anonymous) and Bitcoin exchanges. The project was conducted with assistance from Canada Post, and Nanaimo and Powell River RCMP.

The project was aimed at targeting a prolific dark web vendor known as AlwaysOvrWeight, who was found to be also using encrypted communications as bcpremo88.

Investigators determined that the vendor’s location was in Nanaimo while gathering evidence that the vendor was selling and shipping drugs such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), psilocybin (mushrooms), ketamine, and fentanyl to Canadians.

On February 4 of this year, RCMP officers used a search warrant at a residence in the 3900 block of Hammond Bay Road in Nanaimo.

At the location, police discovered a GHB processing laboratory as well as evidence of drug trafficking on the dark web.

On the same day, officers also searched a residence in the 6100 block of Kiara Place in Nanaimo where evidence of drug trafficking on the dark web was also located.

Officers arrested three residents of Nanaimo. No charges have been laid yet and the investigation remains ongoing.