18-year-old Quebec man charged with murder in connection with death in Fort Good Hope, N.W.T.

RCMP have charged an 18-year-old from Quebec with murder as part of a homicide investigation in Fort Good Hope, N.W.T., and say the accused is part of the drug trade. 

RCMP say they were notified late last month by family members who found a 29-year-old man dead in his home. Police said at the time that the death was considered suspicious.

Police say they quickly identified a suspect and with the help of RCMP officers in Quebec arrested Sasha Bena, 18, last Thursday in Montreal.

Bena has been charged with murder and has been brought back to Yellowknife for court proceedings, police said in a news release.

Police also said that their investigation determined that Bena had been in Fort Good Hope "as part of the illicit drug trade."

In an email to CBC News on Monday, RCMP said it would be up to Crown prosecutors to decide whether it would be a first- or second-degree murder charge against Bena. 

RCMP also confirmed Bena was an adult at the time of the alleged offence and therefore his identity is not protected by the Youth Criminal Justice Act. The act protects the identity of accused people and offenders who are 17 years old or younger.

"This arrest should serve as warning to those who would come to the territory to commit violence that the RCMP has a long reach and we are committed to bringing violent criminals to justice," said Sgt. Jason Hurley of the N.W.T. RCMP in a news release. 

He said the homicide is also a "difficult reminder" of how dangerous and exploitative the drug trade is.

"Drug traffickers are coming to our communities to take advantage of people's addictions and leave behind nothing but pain and suffering." 

Police say they continue to investigate, and are asking anyone who recognizes Bena from Fort Good Hope or Norman Wells, N.W.T., to contact them.