Darrell Greer
Northern News Services

RANKIN INLET (Aug 16/99) - A successful drug investigation has netted the Rankin Inlet detachment of the RCMP one of the biggest dope busts in the hamlet's history after officers seized marijuana with an estimated $100,000 street value.

The RCMP made the bust at the Rankin airport Saturday, Aug. 7, at about 2 p.m.

Charged with possession of a narcotic for the purpose of trafficking is Charles Morin, 59, of Rankin Inlet. Morin will make his first court appearance Sept. 15 in territorial court in Rankin.

Sgt. Mark Hennigar said it is believed the narcotics were transported by air to the Kivalliq from Manitoba and were destined for sale in Rankin.

"This is a very significant bust for this detachment," said Hennigar. "The bust resulted from an extensive investigation. It's a significant amount, but we don't want to release any information on the weight confiscated just yet. As far as the street value goes, we're in the range, due to the area we're in, of about $100,000 we'd estimate.

"We consider it very fortunate, as a result of our investigation, to make a seizure of this quantity and we think it's great we can get this quantity of drugs off the street in Rankin Inlet. I'm not sure, necessarily, what age group of consumer was targeted, but I would say it's fairly certain that the drugs were destined for consumption in Rankin Inlet."

Hennigar said although the method of transporting the narcotics could be labelled as brazen, it is a method employed by Northern narcotic distributors from time to time.

"Although certainly not common, there's absolutely no doubt drugs do move around the North by people just transporting it on their tickets, just carrying or shipping it as part of their luggage."

Rankin Mayor Simon Okpatauyuk said the hamlet's council has been working hard to promote alcohol and drug awareness in the community for the past 10 years.

He said as the community continued to grow, council knew it was inevitable that some social problems would grow along with it.

"Rankin being a very busy community, we knew it was going to be hard to keep the drugs out of the community as it grew," said Okpatauyuk. "We are trying every effort to educate people, especially the younger generation, and tell them it may be tempting, the money or whatever, but you're going to get caught no matter what.

"Education and awareness is definitely the key to getting alcohol and drugs out of our community. That's why we have the Aqsaaraq Addiction Project here.

"The centre is very outgoing and helpful in our battle against drug and alcohol abuse.

"Speaking on behalf of the hamlet council, I was very pleased with this seizure and hope our police keep up the good work.

"We have a very good force and that's a big asset to us, especially with the size of our community and the fact we're still growing."