Richmond Hill man charged after explosion at small-scale drug lab

NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE
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York Regional Police have charged a 34-year-old man following an explosion in a small-scale drug lab found inside of a residence in the City of Richmond Hill.

On Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, shortly after 9 p.m., York Regional Police were called to a residence on Norman Bethune Avenue, which is in the area of Highway 7 and Leslie Street, for a report of a fire. When officers arrived the building had been evacuated and a man was outside suffering from serious injuries. He was transported to hospital for treatment.

The investigation revealed that the man had set-up a small-scale cannabis extraction lab inside one of the units. While attempting to extract cannabis oil, there was an explosion that caused damage to the residence.

On Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, a search warrant was executed at the residence and members of the York Regional Police Guns, Gangs and Drug Enforcement Clandestine Lab Team, investigated the remains of the lab.

Charged: 

• Andrew Pentland, 34, City of Richmond Hill

Charges: 

• Unauthorized production of cannabis 
• Arson – Disregard for human life  
• Arson – Damage to property 
• Mischief over $5,000

Anyone with information is asked to contact the York Regional Police #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau at 1-866-876-5423, ext. 7241 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-tips or leave an anonymous tip online at www.1800222tips.com.

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