Image credit: BC RCMP
Fentanyl Bust

Federal RCMP investigation in North Okanagan results in drug seizure worth $258 million

Sep 12, 2023 | 12:00 PM

LUMBY, B.C. — A federal policing investigation that led to the discovery of one of the largest drug super-labs in B.C., and conviction of all six suspects, has wrapped up with the last two suspects being sentenced to 11 years of imprisonment for their involvement in the production of methamphetamine and fentanyl.

The drug bust happened near the North Okanagan community of Lumby, a village of around 2,000 people, in October 2018.

On Aug. 14, 2023, Robyn Leigh Bryson, 38, and Trent Anton Fussi, 33, were each sentenced to 11 years in prison for the production of fentanyl and 6 years of imprisonment for the production of methamphetamine.

Police say the street value of the seized meth was estimated at $2.2 million, while the seized value of the fentanyl was estimated at $256 million.

“With toxic fentanyl being increasingly mixed in with other types of street drugs, the opioid crisis seems to be evolving into a poly-drug crisis. This alarming trend is now affecting far more Canadians, and most regrettably, our children and youth. This is why the dedicated investigators of the BC RCMP Federal Policing directorate, will continue to relentlessly pursue criminal networks responsible for the production, and distribution of toxic drugs into our communities,” Supt. Jillian Wellard, Officer in Charge of the BC RCMP Federal Serious & Organized Crime – Major Projects team.

If you have information about a crime and wish to report it, you may contact your local police agency, or report it anonymously by calling BC Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.