Richard Gleeson
Northern News Services

NNSL (May 31/99) - The RCMP swooped down on suspected drug dealers in Yellowknife early Friday morning, arresting 11 people.

Ranging in age from 18 to 44, the 10 males and one female were apprehended by officers at their homes or places of business.

Those arrested face a total of 28 different drug related charges ranging from possession of a controlled substance to trafficking in a controlled substance.

The arrests were the result of five-month undercover investigation conducted by the drug section of RCMP G Division. The investigation was aimed at curbing the cocaine trade in the city, said the commander of RCMP North district.

"The investigation itself was very successful," said S/Sgt Dave Grundy. "When you can take 11 (alleged) cocaine traffickers off the street at least for today, that's a successful operation."

Grundy said there was a chance some of those arrested would be released until they appear in court.

Asked what sparked the investigation, Grundy said, "It's pretty common knowledge the drug trade is alive and well here in the city, and cocaine is on the increase."

He said the arrests may put a temporary dent in the cocaine trade in the city, but will by no means shut it down.

"Eleven people in that short a period of time -- that's the people we bought from -- that doesn't represent the total picture of how many people are selling cocaine or any other drug in the city at this time."

Grundy said the undercover investigation is continuing, but that as of noon Friday no more arrests were pending.

A small amount of marijuana was seized from two of the accused at the time they were arrested. No cocaine was seized.

Though police had search warrants for each of the arrests, Grundy said the RCMP was not expecting to find any large amounts of cocaine.

Recent changes in the law, he said, require police obtain search warrants to arrest people at their residences.

Court dates have been set for the accused.