Police believe Trinity Valley suspects were cooking up crystal meth

VERNON – A six day investigation and clean-up at a North Okanagan property wrapped up over the weekend, leaving authorities strongly suspecting crystal meth was being produced there.

A significant quantity of hazardous materials believed to be used in the manufacturing of crystal meth were removed from the Trinity Valley Road rental home and secured by police.

RCMP spokesperson Gord Molendyk can’t confirm what was being manufactured there until lab results are in, and that could take some time.

Three men and two women face numerous drug production, stolen property and firearm charges. It’s unknown exactly where the five individuals are from, though Molendyk says they have ties in Kelowna and the Lower Mainland. They have since been released on bail with strict conditions.

Police, HAZMAT, the B.C. Conservation Service and the Ministry of Environment were involved in the investigation.

Authorities continue to investigate whether there was any environmental damage stemming from the drug production.

Police attended the scene following a report of shots fired. Molendyk says an investigation into that report determined the suspects were likely just “horsing around.”

To contact the reporter for this story, email Charlotte Helston at chelston@infotelnews.ca or call 250-309-5230. To contact the editor, email mjones@infotelnews.ca or call 250-718-2724.