INUVIK - RCMP seized a kilogram of crack cocaine and 12 pounds of marijuana from a residence in Inuvik on Aug. 28.

No one was arrested as a direct result of the seizure, the location of which police would not confirm, though the investigation led to the arrest of 19-year-old Keith Hawkins of Edmonton on Aug. 28 in Inuvik. Hawkins is charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking and is scheduled to appear in Inuvik Territorial Court on Oct. 19.

Inuvik RCMP constables Todd Glemser, left, and Kyle Edwards were part of an investigation that led to what police believe to be one of the largest drug busts in the North. - Katie May/NNSL photo

"We suspect that it's all in connection to the same investigation," said Inuvik RCMP Staff Sgt. Cliff McKay.

Inuvik RCMP searched the residence as part of an investigation involving Fort McPherson RCMP and Yukon traffic services RCMP. The kilogram of crack has an approximate street value of $170,000, and the marijuana is street valued at about $50,000. An undisclosed amount of cash and a vehicle were also seized.

Cpl. Sean Doornbos said the seizure may reduce crime in Inuvik.

"We know from our experiences and from the people that we deal with that crack cocaine is directly linked to violence in communities," he said. "A seizure of this amount will significantly impact the community in that after the drug has become less available, we'll start to see a reduction in those types of offences.

"We'll feel the effects from within this office and certainly it'll be visible within the community to some extent, especially amongst those people that are victims of those types of crimes."

Police in all three detachments are still investigating the drug ring.

"We don't believe that this is the end of it," Doornbos said. "Where there's an opportunity, criminals will attempt to take advantage of it."