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Vancouver police say they seized thousands of pounds of drugs during raids on two illicit cannabis-oil labs in south Vancouver on Friday.

The VPD said officers from its organized crime section, with the assistance of a hazmat team, shut down a multimillion-dollar drug operation when they executed search warrants and dismantled two labs in warehouses in an industrial area near Oak Street and Marine Drive.

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Police said the THC extraction labs, also known as butane honey oil labs, were producing high-potency cannabis oils and concentrates for sale in unlicensed cannabis stores and on the illicit market.

VPD Const. Steve Addison said the large, sophisticated operation posed a significant risk to the public.

Photo by Arlen Redekop / PNG

The Cannabis Act prohibits the use of organic solvents, like butane, in the extraction of oils from cannabis plants because they’re extremely volatile and can lead to fire or explosions.

The products seized include oil, balms, marijuana edibles and shatter, a potent cannabis extract.

“Legally produced cannabis oils can still be purchased from licensed retailers,” said Addison. “We encourage recreational cannabis users to purchase their products from government-approved and regulated stores.”

Police said charges haven’t yet been laid but the investigation continues.

— With files from The Canadian Press