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HAY RIVER
Hay River RCMP officers certainly did not waste any time in making their first drug busts of 2013.

In the early hours of Jan. 1, at approximately 4 a.m., Hay River Traffic Services attempted to pull over a vehicle, however, the driver continued for five kilometres before stopping for police. RCMP were then able to conduct a drug investigation.

According to an RCMP news release, the investigation led officers to a hotel room registered in the suspect's name.

After obtaining a search warrant under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the RCMP's police service dog and handler located roughly one ounce of cocaine.

Police also found a considerable amount of Canadian currency in the room.

They were later informed that the suspect, a 24-year-old from Grande Prairie, Alta., had allegedly brandished a knife during an earlier altercation.

The accused was arrested and charged with trafficking and possession of a controlled substance, flight from police, possessing proceeds of crime, assault with a weapon and Motor Vehicle Act offences.

The accused is scheduled to appear in Hay River territorial court on Jan. 30.

Police say the matter is still under investigation.

Twenty-four hours later, on Jan. 2, RCMP officers were called to a Hay River Reserve residence where underage drinking was reportedly taking place.

According to an RCMP news release, a drug investigation and search ensued.

After police obtained a search warrant, they allegedly seized over three pounds of marijuana, some crack cocaine, cash and drug-related paraphernalia.

The 46-year-old homeowner was arrested and charged with drug possession for the purpose of trafficking and breach of

probation.

The accused appeared before a justice of the peace and was released on several conditions, and is scheduled to appear in Hay River territorial court on March 27.

"Members were able to execute two Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrants within a 24-hour period," said Sgt. Chad Orr. "All of the Hay River members are working very hard to meet the community's priorities.

Anyone with information about the drug trade in the Hay River area is encouraged to call the Hay River detachment or Crime Stoppers."

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