Yellowknife RCMP have put a major dent in the local drug trade after a series of arrests and seizures of crack cocaine, powdered cocaine, firearms, ammunition and cash – believed to be proceeds of crime.
According to a news release from the Mounties, officers last month identified a network of people – most of whom were from out of town, who had recently set up a drug distribution network in the city.
photo courtesy of RCMP
Police then launched an investigation. It culminated with the Federal Investigation Unit's execution of two residential and two non-residential search warrants in the city on Friday and the arrest of seven suspects.
About 300 grams of crack cocaine, a small amount of powdered cocaine, four firearms, ammunition and cash, estimated to be in excess of $50,000 and a safe were seized.
The two residential search warrants were conducted in the downtown area of Yellowknife and the two other search warrants were executed on a storage locker and a vehicle, police stated in an email.
Sgt. Dean Riou of the G Division Federal Investigations Unit said five of the seven people charged are believed to have moved to Yellowknife to sell drugs.
“Three of those people were already facing serious charges in other jurisdictions. Another one of the seven was on parole as a result of a previous drug trafficking conviction. This group is part of a larger network operating throughout Canada, and it is concerning that they were attempting to establish a foothold in Yellowknife,” Riou stated in the news release.
“We are pleased our short investigation resulted in the seizure of guns and cocaine, as well as significant proceeds derived from the sale of drugs. The seized money could have been used to benefit families and the community, and is instead ending up in the hands of organized crime.”
Riou went on to state the weapons seized included a sawed off shotgun and a Mossberg .22 calibre semi-automatic rifle. At least one of the firearms is believed to have been stolen in Yellowknife, Riou stated.
According to Riou, two suspects are also charged with impersonation after allegedly maintaining the identity of another person during the arrest and booking process, or during previous dealings with police in the investigation.
All of the accused appeared in court yesterday. It was unclear as of press time whether any of them were granted bail.
Fact File:
Suspects facing drug charges after latest arrests in Yellowknife
Gary Gattie, 50, of Yellowknife
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000
Chantel Mingilgak, 27 of Yellowknife
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, five firearms offences, including possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number
Mamadou Gueye, 29, of Montreal
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, five firearms offences, three counts of impersonation with intent and five breaches of recognizance
Liban Mohamood Mohammed, 26, of Calgary
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, impersonation with intent
Mohammed was on federal parole – Correctional Service Canada issues parole revocation
Mousa Kaba, 29, of Cranbrook, B.C.
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000
Farhan Hussein, 27, of Regina
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000 and three breaches of recognizance
Jean Kelly Lavaud, 29, of Montreal
Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000 and three breaches of recognizance