The British Columbia government has launched a civil lawsuit seeking the forfeiture of a multi-million dollar Maple Ridge home owned by a controversial chemical broker, alleging the property was purchased with the proceeds of crime linked to international drug production.
RCMP Raid Uncovers Massive Chemical Stockpile
According to a newly filed court claim, a December 2024 RCMP raid on the Maple Ridge residence of Bobby Shah led to the discovery of a staggering stockpile. Officers reportedly seized more than 44,000 litres of hazardous chemicals. The lawsuit states these chemicals included precursors used in the manufacturing of deadly synthetic drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Shah is identified as the owner of Valerian Labs, a Port Coquitlam-based company. The business premises were also subject to a police raid in December 2024, where a suspected clandestine drug lab was dismantled.
Luxury Home Deemed Proceeds of Crime
The provincial director of civil forfeiture is now targeting Shah's personal residence. The 7,000 square foot palatial home, currently listed for sale at $3.6 million, is the subject of the forfeiture action. The lawsuit contends that Shah did not have sufficient legitimate income to explain the purchase of the high-value property.
The claim, filed in B.C. Supreme Court on January 12, 2026, connects Shah to a global criminal network. It cites a U.S. Treasury investigation from October 2023, which resulted in Shah and 25 other individuals and entities being sanctioned. They were targeted for their alleged role in the international proliferation of illicit drugs.
Links to International Criminal Syndicate Alleged
The B.C. government's lawsuit paints a picture of a sophisticated, China-based criminal organization, referred to as "the syndicate." This group is accused of manufacturing and distributing vast quantities of illicit drugs, opioid additives, and the precursor chemicals needed to produce narcotics on an international scale. The syndicate is also alleged to have laundered the resulting crime proceeds.
"The syndicate was the source of supply for various drug traffickers in the U.S., dark web vendors, virtual currency money launderers and Mexico-based criminal organizations," the director's claim states.
The court documents allege that Shah and Valerian Labs purchased and imported opioid additives and precursor chemicals from members of this syndicate. The methods used to evade authorities were reportedly elaborate, involving:
- Counterfeit postage and false return labels
- Falsified customs documentation and invoices
- Concealed packaging and special delivery procedures
- U.S.-based reshippers
Profits from these activities were allegedly moved through a complex web of financial channels, including cryptocurrency transactions, international wire transfers, and third-party processors like PayPal and Alipay.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts by B.C. authorities to combat the opioid crisis by targeting not just street-level dealers, but the financial infrastructure and supply chains that enable the production of deadly drugs. The forfeiture of Shah's home, if successful, would represent a significant seizure of assets believed to be fuelled by this trade.
