A horrifying House Explosion While Making Cannabis Gummy in a residential area of Benwell, Newcastle, claimed the lives of a seven-year-old boy and a 35-year-old man, leaving the community in shock. The tragic incident, which took place in the early hours of October 16 last year, was later revealed to be the result of an illegal drug lab operating inside a house.
Reece Galbraith, 33, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of the two victims after investigations confirmed that the explosion was caused by gas canisters used in the production of cannabis-based drugs.
The blast not only destroyed the house but also rendered neighboring properties uninhabitable, highlighting the dangers of illegal drug production in residential areas.
The Deadly Explosion and Its Devastating Impact
The explosion was so powerful that it completely obliterated the house where it originated and caused severe structural damage to nearby properties. Residents were woken by a deafening blast, and emergency services rushed to the scene to deal with the devastation.
Tragically, among the victims was seven-year-old Archie York, who was sleeping in an upstairs room at the time of the blast. The other fatality was Jason Laws, 35, a friend of Reece Galbraith who was involved in the drug-making process.
Galbraith himself sustained severe injuries but managed to survive. The court later heard that he had been operating a dangerous and illegal drug lab inside the property, using highly flammable butane gas to produce cannabis extracts.
These extracts, known as “shatter” or “butane honey oil,” were then used to manufacture cannabis-infused sweets, commonly referred to as “gummies.”
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Northumbria Police described the extraction process as “highly dangerous,” with Det Ch Insp Katie Smith, who led the investigation, emphasizing the immense risks involved.
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She stated, “The process of creating cannabis shatter and other drugs in this way is exceptionally dangerous. The truly devastating impact of this case should be enough to make anyone doing this think again.”
Investigations Uncover Illegal Drug Production
Following the explosion, police launched a full investigation into the circumstances leading to the deadly incident. Their inquiries revealed that Reece Galbraith and Laws had been running a clandestine drug operation inside the house, turning a residential property into a highly volatile and hazardous laboratory.
Earlier in the year, in April, police had stopped Galbraith’s car and discovered drugs inside. When they searched his home, they found molds used to make cannabis sweets, further confirming his involvement in drug production. However, he was released at the time pending further investigation.
Forensic analysis of Galbraith’s mobile phone uncovered approximately 80 text messages related to the sale of cannabis sweets, indicating that he had been actively distributing the illegal products. Further investigations into the explosion site led to the discovery of 100 butane gas canisters, which were used in the extraction process to create cannabis concentrates.
Claire Armstrong, representing the prosecution, explained that the butane gas in the property was the primary cause of the explosion. The highly flammable nature of the gas made the drug-making process incredibly dangerous, particularly in a residential setting where innocent lives were at risk.
Judge Paul Sloan KC, who oversaw the case, informed Reece Galbraith that he would be facing a significant immediate custodial sentence. The severity of his crimes and the tragic consequences of his actions meant that there was no escaping the legal repercussions of his reckless behavior.
Community Outrage and the Fight Against Illegal Drug Labs
The deaths of Archie York and Jason Laws sent shockwaves through the Benwell community, leaving residents heartbroken and outraged. Archie was described as a bright and cheerful young boy who had his whole life ahead of him. His tragic death served as a painful reminder of the dangers posed by illegal drug operations in family neighborhoods.
Authorities have since intensified their efforts to crack down on the illegal production of cannabis-based products, particularly those involving hazardous extraction methods.
Police have urged the public to report any suspicious activity involving the purchase, possession, or delivery of multiple butane canisters or propane bottles, as these are often used in the drug-making process.
In addition to the manslaughter charges, Galbraith also pleaded guilty to possessing and supplying cannabis between November 2023 and October 2024. His sentencing is scheduled for May 14, where Mr. Justice Cotter will determine the extent of his punishment based on the evidence presented.
The tragic explosion in Benwell stands as a stark warning about the lethal consequences of illegal drug production. The loss of young Archie York and Jason Laws will forever be remembered as a devastating consequence of reckless criminal activity, and authorities continue their fight to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.