Nearly four weeks after the disappearance of Irma Galastica, a 32-year-old mother from Toronto, Halton police conducted a raid on the Burlington residence where she was last seen. Acting on information provided by a friend of Galastica, authorities searched the property at 629 Old York Road but found no sign of the missing woman. Instead, they uncovered a drug lab, prompting a more extensive investigation involving the RCMP and the Fire Marshall’s Office.
Halton police remained on site for several days, engaging in thorough forensic examinations and even draining ponds on the property. While details about the drug lab and Galastica’s case have been kept under wraps due to ongoing investigations, neighbors observed a significant police presence, including the establishment of a command center at a nearby cemetery.
The house’s registered owner, Richard Clayson, father of Eric J. Carpenter, expressed concerns about his son’s involvement. Clayson revealed that law enforcement officials considered Carpenter a person of interest in the case and suspected him of fleeing to Mexico City. Despite receiving limited communication from Carpenter, Clayson raised questions about his son’s sudden departure and the source of his finances, given his precarious financial situation and pending legal issues.
Prior to Galastica’s disappearance, Carpenter faced mounting financial troubles, as evidenced by a legal claim demanding payment of a substantial debt and the potential foreclosure of his properties. Concerns about Carpenter’s whereabouts and connections to criminal elements have emerged, with speculations regarding his ability to sustain a life abroad despite frozen accounts and outstanding debts.
Efforts to reach Carpenter for clarification have been unsuccessful, with a bench warrant issued for his arrest on unrelated charges. The unresolved nature of Galastica’s case and Carpenter’s mysterious disappearance continue to raise questions, urging the public to come forward with any relevant information to assist the ongoing investigations.