Kerry McCluskey
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (Nov 18/02) - The drug section of the RCMP's "V" Division in Nunavut have made a number of drug busts recently.

Const. Jeff Johnston said on Nov. 8, after acquiring search warrants, police searched two private residences and seized an undisclosed amount of cash and marijuana with a street value of $7,500.

Seven Iqaluit residents were arrested and charged with conspiracy to traffic in a controlled substance.

Six were released and will appear in the Nunavut Court of Justice Jan. 6.

The seventh individual was remanded into custody. His bail hearing was scheduled to take place last week.

"He had outstanding drug charges before the court and was on conditions at the time," said Johnston.

At $30 per gram in Iqaluit, the dollar value of the drugs seized is equal to 250 grams of marijuana.

On Oct. 21, police intercepted a package containing $32,000 worth of marijuana on its way to Panniqtuuq from Iqaluit. At $50 per gram in Panniqtuuq, the dollar value of the drugs is equal to 640 grams. A 26-year-old Iqaluit resident was charged with trafficking in a controlled substance and will appear in court Jan. 6.

Also on Oct. 21, police charged a 33-year-old Panniqtuuq resident with possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. Arrested at the Iqaluit Airport, police seized $3,000 worth of marijuana from the man. He will appear in court Feb. 12, 2003. Johnston said police often make arrests at the airport because Iqaluit is a hub for Baffin Island settlements.

"Everything comes through here first," said Johnston.

"It continues to be a problem. Fortunately, we're making seizures," he said.

Johnston also said police were acting on information they received in all matters.