Suspected 856 gang members arrested in Yellowknife drug raids

RCMP in Yellowknife say they've arrested four people from British Columbia after two simultaneous drug raids in the city this afternoon. 

Police say the arrests are part of an investigation into activity by the 856 gang.

They say they seized a "significant" amount of crack cocaine...but haven't said how much. 

The raids were at a residence on 49A Avenue near Trails End, and a hotel in the city. 

An eyewitness, who didn't want to be identified, says it was a scary situation.

"Well, I saw the police go in and I heard them yelling," said the woman. "I heard a few loud bangs and I heard that it was smoke bombs I guess but definitely lots of yelling. I got kinda scared like 'What if they were going to shoot someone?' "

Police say no guns were fired during the bust and that the loud bangs heard by neighbours in the area were the result of police trying to gain access to the residence.

They say this is the fourth time they've taken action against the 856 gang in the last two years.