INUVIK (DEC 02/96) - Mackenzie Delta RCMP say they hit the mother lode last week when they pulled over a cargo van loaded down with suspected marijuana, illegal cigarettes and stolen electronics.

Police, acting on a tip that the van was carrying untaxed cigarettes, located and pulled over the van and its driver last Wednesday afternoon on the Dempster Highway about two kilometres outside of Inuvik.

Inside the truck, police found 1,844 cartons of untaxed cigarettes, valued by police at $97,000 if sold on the street.

Police also found four bags filled with one kilogram of a substance believed to be marijuana, with a street value of $52,000.

Electronics equipment believed to be stolen from the Ottawa area was also discovered in the van.

RCMP Cpl. Richard Crooks refused to disclose further details about the incident while the investigation continues.

No Criminal Code charges or charges under the Tobacco Tax Excise Act or Narcotics Control Act had been laid as of Friday.