Published on: February 1, 2026, 01:51h.

Updated on: February 1, 2026, 01:51h.

• Authorities discovered refrigerators filled with unidentified vials while investigating a residence in Las Vegas on Saturday
• A multi-agency task force, including the FBI and HAZMAT, is ongoing to determine the nature of the substance and safely eliminate any potential threats
• Officials stated the event is contained, posed no risk to the public, and that one suspect is in custody 

Law enforcement in Las Vegas, along with FBI agents, conducted a raid on a property in a residential area on Saturday, identifying what they termed a “potential biological laboratory.” The operation uncovered “refrigerators housing vials of unknown liquids.” One suspect has been apprehended, though police have not disclosed specifics regarding the individual.

At approximately 6 a.m. on January 31, the SWAT team from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence on Sugar Springs Drive, located in Northeast Las Vegas, just north of the local Mormon temple.

During a press conference later in the day, police shared footage from the operation, which showed officers discovering materials of significant concern, including vials of unidentified substances stored in several refrigerators. Sheriff Kevin McMahill noted that these qualified as “potential biological materials.”

The Metro’s all-hazards armored unit is collaborating with HAZMAT experts, local fire departments, the FBI, and municipal officials to safely identify, retrieve, and address any hazards posed by the discovered materials.

McMahill stressed that the situation is “exceptionally intricate,” necessitating a careful, methodical approach that could involve law enforcement for days or even weeks.

“This must be a deliberate and meticulous process,” he emphasized. “We take such situations very seriously and are committed to taking every precaution to ensure the safety of our personnel and the community.”

Despite the extensive operational response, he reassured that investigators consider the situation to be isolated, with no ongoing threat to public safety.

While police did not disclose the specifics concerning the search warrant, they clarified that the operation was not connected to any activities involving ICE.