Raids targeted B.C. gang selling drugs in Yellowknife

RCMP in Yellowknife released more information Tuesday about a series of drug raids last week.

They say Project Goblin targeted a gang from B.C.'s lower mainland — the 856 gang — that's been selling crack cocaine and marijuana here.

Police seized guns, drugs, stolen goods, and $32,000 cash when they searched four homes and a storage locker on Friday.

The RCMP say Yellowknifers buying the drugs can be blamed for the arrival of armed gangs in the city.

"Many of the people who visited the drug dens were well-dressed professionals driving high-end vehicles," said Chief Supt. Wade Blake.

"We're not talking about weekend recreational drug use, either. Sunday to Thursday was just as busy as Friday and Saturday nights. These are some of the people — and they live in all of our neighbourhoods — who are responsible for gangs with guns coming to our community." 

Nine people are facing a total of 32 charges, including drug trafficking, possession of stolen goods, and firearms offences.

Seven of the nine are from British Columbia.

The RCMP say the 856 gang has been operating in Yellowknife for more than a year. Four people arrested in October in another bust were allegedly members of the same gang.