RCMP seize 4.7kg cocaine, $360K in biggest drug bust in N.W.T. history

RCMP have seized 4.7 kilograms of cocaine, over $360,000 in cash and a Taser in what police believe to be the largest drug and money seizure in Northwest Territories history. 

On Feb. 4, RCMP executed search warrants on two Yellowknife properties, one home downtown and an apartment "in the School Draw area," as well as one vehicle, leading to the seizure. 

During a press conference Friday, police said the amount of cocaine seized is enough drugs for nearly 16,000 doses. RCMP estimate it's worth about $950,000.

Three individuals have been arrested, charged and remain in custody in Yellowknife. None of them are from the N.W.T.

Sapphire Ingham, 25, from Edmonton, Nuridin Ali, 30, from Toronto and Brandon Alexander Thomas, 30, also from Toronto, were all charged with cocaine trafficking, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of a prohibited weapon and possession of property obtained by crime. 

Ali is also charged with failing to comply with prohibition orders. 

The investigation was led by the RCMP's federal policing unit, which deals with issues of serious organized crime. Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland, regional commander of the unit's northwest region, delivered the news at the press conference.

Moreland told reporters that the seizure will make a noticeable difference in drug sales in the territory. 

"These arrests and seizures have significantly disrupted the drug trafficking and organized crime network within the Northwest Territories and I am confident that it will make a difference to your residents throughout the area," she said. 

She said the three accused individuals, though they're from outside the territory, "have some ties to the community." She said RCMP are continuing to investigate and couldn't expand on what kind of ties she was referring to.   

Drug-related deaths have been rising in the N.W.T. in recent years, with warnings of drugs contaminated with deadly toxins like fentanyl, carfentanyl and methamphetamine.

Asked how the RCMP is stopping more traffickers from travelling north to sell drugs, Moreland said holding a press conference helps to tell the public that police are working to address the territory's drug issue.

"Drug traffickers who sell these toxic and dangerous substances have no regard for the safety of others and often prey on the most vulnerable all in the name for profit," she said.