Drugs and handgun seized after luxury vehicle stopped on Sahtu winter road, say RCMP
Bust described by RCMP superintendent as a 'significant disruption' to the drug trade
Two men from Alberta are facing a slew of drug trafficking-related charges after RCMP say they stopped them on the winter road between Norman Wells and Fort Good Hope, N.W.T. and seized a pound's worth of various drugs and a handgun.
RCMP said they got several reports about two "suspicious individuals acting strangely in a luxury vehicle" on the road on Monday afternoon.
They found the vehicle and arrested its two occupants — a 23-year-old wanted man and a 30-year-old man, who were both from Alberta and who had both been ordered by a court to stay in Alberta, said police.
RCMP said they seized 247 grams of crystal meth, 194 grams of cocaine and crack cocaine, 13 grams of fentanyl and other "paraphernalia" after searching the vehicle. They also found a hidden pistol.
RCMP Superintendent Chris Romanchych said in a news release that the seizure is a "significant disruption" to drug trade in the N.W.T.'s remote communities.
"These drugs and guns may have gone on to inflict significant harm were it not for community members willing to share this vital information. I would like to sincerely thank those people who have taken ownership of the safety of their community."
The men are facing a list of more than 20 charges between them, including charges related to drug trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime, and failing to comply with conditions related to one's release and probation.
RCMP say both men have been remanded into custody.