Law enforcement authorities have uncovered a clandestine drug lab operating covertly under the guise of a pizza kitchen in North Hollywood, LA. The Los Angeles Police Department made this incredible discovery as part of its ongoing narcotics investigation on June 22.
The facility, located in the 7300 block of Radford Avenue, was cleverly designed to appear like an innocent pizza kitchen, according to authorities. However, law enforcement officials managed to uncover the truth behind this deceptive front.
“Let’s just say [it’s] not pizza,” tweeted Lillian Carranza, the commanding officer of the LAPD’s Gang and Narcotics Division, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Let's just say is not pizza! 🍕 Commander 70 David show me code 6 with #GND Lab Squad 7300 block Radford @LAPDNorthHwdDiv Your Lab Squad working to dismantle and render an illicit Super Lab safe. Operating in a business area next to a Pet Hospital! 🐾🐕 🥼 🧪 🧫 Doing their part… pic.twitter.com/Ma0EHZoOhn
— Lillian L. Carranza🇺🇸 (@LAPDCARRANZA) June 23, 2023
Shedding light on the situation in a series of tweets, Carranza described the facility as a THC honey oil extraction lab. In a series of informative tweets, she explained the dangers associated with such labs, which often lead to explosions, injuries, property damage, and even fatalities.
THC Honey Oil Extraction Lab. The ones we see explode cause injuries, property damage and sometime death.
— Lillian L. Carranza🇺🇸 (@LAPDCARRANZA) June 23, 2023
Inside the “super lab,” photographs revealed elements that initially seemed reminiscent of a pizza kitchen, including stacked cooling racks, ovens, and pizza boxes labeled “hot and fresh pizza to go.” However, behind this facade, a nefarious operation was underway.
According to police, they spent half a day in their efforts to dismantle the lab and ensure the area is safe again. During the operation, two individuals were apprehended and are currently being held without bail. As of now, their identities have not been released.
The ingenious nature of this illicit operation drew comparisons to the acclaimed television series “Breaking Bad” as Twitter users were quick to point out the resemblance between the photo and iconic scenes from the show. The LAPD joined in on the banter, posting the photo with a playful caption: “No deliveries from this ‘pizza’ lab anymore!”
What a week for LAPD! Criminals keep surprising us with their creativity, from fake vending machines to pizza trickery. Our officers are on top of it, busting these clever operations.
No deliveries from this 'pizza' lab anymore!
📷:@LAPDCARRANZA pic.twitter.com/OBFQFSjDkL
— LAPD HQ (@LAPDHQ) June 23, 2023
There were, however, critics who dismissed the bust as unnecessary and targeting “small fish.” Responding to a tweet like that, Carranza stressed that this seizure was no small feat and that these illicit labs pose a severe threat to public safety regardless of how small they look.
Nothing small about this seizure.
— Lillian L. Carranza🇺🇸 (@LAPDCARRANZA) June 25, 2023
