RCMP seize drugs, $200,000 cash from raids
Three Yk men among five people charged after police execute search warrants
John McFadden
Northern News Services
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
SOMBA K'E/YELLOWKNIFE
RCMP has made a substantial dent in the city's drug trade after seizing more than $200,000 in cash during three separate raids and several arrests a week ago today.
According to a news release, the Mounties' G Division Federal Investigation Unit completed a six month investigation by executing search warrants at two Frame Lake residences and an unnamed storage facility.
RCMP Const. Elenore Sturko stated in an e-mail that the emergency response team was used to enter both homes.
In the first raids, at a residence and the storage facility, police seized more than $200,000 in Canadian currency, 593 counterfeit OxContin pills, believed to contain the dangerous drug fentanyl, 557 grams of crack cocaine, 180 grams of powder cocaine, 536 grams of marijuana, 1.6 kilograms of phenacetin, commonly known as "Superbuff," which is used as a cutting agent, 700 grams of an unknown white powder believed to be a cocaine cutting agent, two guitars stolen in a previous break and enter and a money counter.
Two men were arrested at the residence and are facing a number of charges. William Nelson Castro, 23, of Vancouver is charged with possession of cocaine, f\entanyl and marijuana for the purpose of trafficking.
He is also charged with possession of stolen property and possession of the proceeds of crime. According to police, Castro was already on probation for cocaine trafficking when he was arrested. Hassen Abdul Mohamed, 47, of Burnaby, B.C. is facing similar charges. He was before the courts in B.C. on charges of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking at the time of his arrest, Sturko stated. During the third search police seized more than $19,000 in Canadian currency, 40.7 grams of marijuana, 27 Percocet pills and cocaine residue, according to Sturko.
Three Yellowknife men face numerous charges in that raid. Todd Dube, 19, is charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, possession of cocaine and Percocet, and possession of the proceeds of crime. Husam Ali, 21, faces similar charges as does Ajanthan Mahalingham, 21. Three of the suspects were held for court on Monday. Ali and Mahalingham are to appear in court tomorrow.
RCMP did not give a street value for all the drugs seized. Sturko stated that information is not commonly released by RCMP but she added that it is a significant seizure that has a large monetary value.
The removal of these drugs from the community has the potential to save lives, she stated.
"The RCMP remains committed to holding drug traffickers accountable for their actions, which impact the entire community," stated Yellowknife RCMP detachment commander Insp. Frank Gallagher, in a news release.
As of press time, police had not responded to questions about whether any of the suspects are believed to be gang related.
