During a raid on a home in a Las Vegas suburb on Saturday, the FBI and Las Vegas police discovered what they called a "possible biological laboratory." Officials stated that "refrigerators with vials of unknown liquids" were among the items found. Police refused to provide any information about the one suspect who was brought into custody.
The SWAT team of the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department carried out a search warrant at a residence on Sugar Springs Drive in Northeast Las Vegas, just north of the Mormon temple, just before six in the morning on Saturday, January 31.
Police revealed footage of the operation during an afternoon press conference. The footage showed officers finding items that immediately prompted concerns, such as vials of unknown chemicals kept in several refrigerators, which Sheriff Kevin McMahill described as "possible biological material."
In order to safely identify, remove, and minimize any threats the material may offer, Metro's all-hazards armored team is currently collaborating with HAZMAT professionals, local fire departments, the FBI, and local government.
Law enforcement may be occupied for days or weeks due to the "extremely complex" nature of the problem, McMahill stressed.
“This has to be a slow and methodical process by design,” he said. “We take these situations very seriously, and we take all necessary precautions to keep our personnel and community safe.”
He stated that investigators think the issue is isolated and poses no continuous threat to the public, notwithstanding the magnitude of the response.
Police confirmed that the operation had nothing to do with any ICE activities, although they did not specify the purpose of the search warrant.
