Montreal police seize powerful chemicals used to produce synthetic drugs

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Montreal police director Mario Guérin speaks at a news conference as Danielle Auger, director of protection and public health at the department of health and social services, looks on at police headquarters in Montreal, Monday, May 13, 2013, where he spoke about a dangerous new street drug that can be potentially 40 times stronger than heroin. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes

MONTREAL – Montreal police say they have smashed a laboratory that produced synthetic drugs with chemicals alleged to be up to 40 times more powerful than heroin.

Authorities say the chemicals were so strong that four police officers handling them were overcome by the noxious fumes.

One officer had to be transported to hospital with heart palpitations and blood-pressure irregularities even though he was wearing a mask during the bust.

The chemicals included desmethyl fentanyl, a derivative of fentanyl, a powerful painkiller.

Police told a news conference they also seized marijuana, ecstasy, hashish and Viagra during seven raids in late April.

Two people have been arrested and are being detained until their next court appearance.

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