A self-educated chemist is facing charges after the first known clandestine fentanyl lab in the country was found in North Surrey.
A 30-year-old Surrey man, who was living with his 59-year-old mother, is facing charges of production of a controlled substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
It came to light after medical crews responded to a man in distress in the 15400-block of 101A Avenue.
The unresponsive man was revived and appeared to be suffering symptoms from a drug overdose.
Police then discovered what they considered earmarks of a drug lab, which led them to the garage, where a fentanyl lab had been constructed.
Fentanyl is an extremely potent opioid analgesic, similar to heroin.
In its pure form, it is about 100 times more potent than morphine, and is typically used as a pharmaceutical treatment for pain.
The drug can be smoked, injected, taken orally or through contact with the skin.
The accused is described as a self-educated chemist, with no formal chemistry background.
This incident is not believed to have any connections to organized crime.
No one in the townhouse complex was evacuated as the toxic elements in this lab were contained to the attached garage unit of the accused's home.
The man was sent to hospital to receive treatment for what is believed to be non-life-threatening toxic exposure.
RCMP have recommended charges, which are being reviewed by Crown counsel.