Drug lab explosion in Carnarvon Street apartment building in New Westminster (update)

TUESDAY UPDATE

New Westminster Police Department investigators along with New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services have cleared the residence on Carnarvon Street in New Westminster. Residents have been advised that they can return to the building.

Investigators are continuing to look into the possibility of laying charges, however at this time, the matter remains under investigation.

“At this time there is no longer a public safety risk,” stated Staff Sergeant Stuart Jette, “All potentially harmful material has been removed from the building and disposed of appropriately. We remind residents that if they observe drug activity or suspicious behaviour in their building to call the NWPD.”

 

NEW Westminster Police Department and New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services responded to an explosion at an apartment building on Carnarvon Street at approximately 1 p.m. on Sunday (November 4).

Police observed evidence inside a suite that indicated the presence of a drug lab. A man inside the suite was arrested.

No residents inside the apartment building were injured. Firefighters evacuated residents from the apartment building. Support services were on scene to assist displaced residents.

“What happened here could have been a lot worse,” said Sgt. Jeff Scott. “Many people could have been injured if that explosion was bigger or if fire had spread. We encourage residents to call us if they observe any drug activity or suspicious behaviour in their building.”

The New Westminster Police Department is currently executing a search warrant and examining the scene with a drug lab team. Displaced residents are encouraged to check with the New Westminster Police Department to determine when it is safe to return home. The New Westminster Police Department is hoping to have the building open to residents on Monday evening, although the level of contamination throughout the rest of the building still needs to be assessed.

If you have any information related to this incident, call 604-525-5411.