Police dismantle illegal drug lab in downtown Walkerton

WALKERTON – What started on Sept. 9 with a report of an assault involving a firearm, ended up with the discovery and dismantling of a clandestine drug lab on Sept. 12 near the main intersection in Walkerton.

Anyone travelling across the Durham Street bridge shortly after 9 a.m. observed a convoy of police vehicles proceeding into town toward the main intersection.

As of this writing, the intersection remained open to traffic, with a substantial and visible police and emergency services presence at the south-east corner. Police anticipate no traffic disruptions.

The South Bruce OPP issued a press release stating that on Sept. 11, the South Bruce Major Crimes Unit, assisted by the West Region Tactics and Rescue Unit (TRU) and the West Region Emergency Response Team (ERT) executed a search warrant at a Walkerton residence. A 51-year-old person was arrested without incident.

During the process of executing the search warrant, officers discovered an illegal drug lab. OPP specialty units including the West Region Community Street Crimes Unit (SCU), USAR CBRNE (Urban Search and Rescue – Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives) Response Team, and the Clandestine Laboratory Investigative Response Team, assisted by the Walkerton Fire Department, Bruce County paramedics and Health Canada, safely dismantled the lab.

The South Bruce OPP is asking anyone with information to call 1-888-310-1122. Should you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit a secure web-tip at www.cstip.ca; where you may be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $2,000.

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Pauline Kerr is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter with the Walkerton Herald-Times. The Local Journalism Initiative is funded by the Government of Canada.