Durham Regional Police have discovered a meth lab that was hidden behind fake walls and secret compartments inside an Oshawa home.
Police were called to the house on Dunkirk Avenue, near Wilson Road and Highway 401, on Tuesday afternoon for a report of a break-and-enter.
Once on scene, officers didn't find evidence of a break-and-enter, but were told of a drug lab hidden within the walls of the home.
Investigators found several fake walls and secret compartments that concealed drug-producing equipment such as large containers of chemicals, hot plates and glass beakers.
OPP drug enforcement officers and Health Canada inspectors were called in to help in the investigation.
Hazardous materials crews removed about 200 litres of toxic chemicals from the home.
As a safety precaution, homes on either side of the house that contained the drug lab were evacuated. An area of a nearby school playground was temporarily closed as well, but police said the children were not in danger.
Investigators believe the drug lab is connected to the past owner of the residence. No charges are pending against the current occupants, who are renting the home, police said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 1-888-579-1520. Anonymous information can be called in to Durham Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
With a report from CTV Toronto's Roger Petersen
