Security procedures in spotlight as national lab guard accused of storing, selling drugs on premises

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This article was published 15/03/2023 (941 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A 27-year-old security guard at the Winnipeg laboratory complex with the world’s strictest bio-safety security classification stored and sold illicit drugs as part of a large trafficking network while on the job, RCMP allege.

Amanda Boulanger, who had worked under contract for the Corps of Commissionaires at the Canadian Science Centre for Human and Animal Health, was charged with conspiracy to commit an indictable offence in January.

The Public Health Agency of Canada runs the complex that contains the National Microbiology Laboratory’s only biocontainment Level 4 units. A PHAC spokesperson said Boulanger had limited access within the building and did not have access to sensitive materials.

On Wednesday, Commissionaires Manitoba division chief executive officer Bryan Payne said the arrest was “certainly concerning.”

Boulanger had resigned in early January.

“But it’s very important to know, to put it into context, that there’s a significant amount of due diligence and attention that’s placed on ensuring that individuals placed in a position of trust are vetted and validated,” said Payne.

He said contracted employees who work at the Winnipeg lab complex comply with Health Canada and federal government regulations, including security checks, as well as provincial security worker licensing.

“Prior to her resignation, she was in complete compliance with… (federal and provincial) requirements,” Payne said, adding he was not at liberty to talk about security protocols at the lab, calling it a “complex security environment.”

Payne would not say what Boulanger’s role was at the complex.

At a news conference Tuesday, RCMP Insp. Grant Stephen said 36-year-old Hue Ha of Winnipeg had been charged with orchestrating the transport of kilograms of cocaine, other drugs and large quantities of contraband cigarettes to Manitoba from Ontario.

A total of 21 people had been charged in the alleged illicit goods network, police said, while two suspects remained at large.

Stephen said Boulanger would meet with members of the network while on lab property, then store and sell drugs while at work.

The Arlington Street complex scientists work with some of the world’s deadliest diseases, under the strictest bio-safety security classification, according to the federal government.

The PHAC said the police allegations are concerning, and it is co-operating with authorities, as well as reviewing its security operations.

A joint statement from the offices of Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos and Mental Health and Addictions Minister Carolyn Bennett said: “The charges laid are concerning, and we are calling for an immediate internal investigation into the events that occurred on the grounds of the National Microbiology Laboratory. We have also directed our officials to review internal security procedures.”

Boulanger has not been convicted of a crime in the province, records show. She is due in court March 27.

Ha has one prior conviction in Manitoba. In January 2006, he was found guilty of possessing a scheduled substance for the purpose of trafficking. He was fined a total of $232.

On Tuesday, police said Ha has been charged with drug trafficking, two counts each of conspiracy to commit trafficking and evading payment of duty, possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, trafficking prohibited firearms, corruption contrary to the excise act, selling cannabis and selling unstamped tobacco.

He remains in custody, and appeared in court Monday.

Among the other suspects arrested was Donavon Sired, 50, who worked as an investigator with Manitoba Finance’s special investigations unit. He’s alleged to have leaked information about law enforcement plans to the criminal network, police said.

He was cuffed Jan. 12 and charged with bribery of officers, breach of trust by a public officer, and conspiracy to evade payment. He has no prior convictions.

Sired was released on conditions and is next due in court March 27.

A provincial justice department spokesman confirmed Sired is on a leave of absence without pay.

The Progressive Conservative government was asked by NDP critics during question period Wednesday about a finance department investigator being charged.

Justice Minister Kelvin Goertzen instead thanked Mounties and other law enforcement agencies involved in the probe.

“They followed the evidence and the evidence led to some unexpected places. But it speaks to the fact that, no matter who you are or where you’re employed, if you are alleged to be involved in helping those who manufacture or distribute drugs, there are consequences,” Goertzen said.

— with files from Carol Sanders

erik.pindera@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @erik_pindera