Update: As of 4:00pm on November 5th the RCMP Clandestine Lab Team and the New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services Hazmat Team have cleared the scene. A remediation team is now cleaning up the chemicals and this work is expected to go into the evening.
The suspect who was arrested earlier today has been released without charges being recommended pending further investigation. We cannot confirm the type of chemicals involved or if they are drug related.
The New Westminster Police Department Street Crime Unit remains on scene to investigate.
New Westminster – New Westminster Police Department and New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services responded to an explosion at an apartment building on Carnarvon Street at approximately 1:00pm on Sunday November 4th 2018.
Upon entering the suite members observed evidence indicating 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,” stated Sergeant 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 this 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 please call 604-525-5411.
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