Derek Neary
Northern News Services

Bouvier Creek (Oct 04/02) - Fort Providence RCMP are investigating a rollover accident that led them to a "small amount" of marijuana.

A Dodge Ram passenger van, eastbound from Fort Simpson on the Mackenzie Highway, apparently lost control and rolled near Bouvier Creek on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

"It appears that the vehicle caught the right shoulder and (the driver) over-corrected," said Const. Darren Ruben. He added the van was badly damaged, likely a write-off.

A helicopter with a medical team was dispatched, but none of the van's occupants were still at the scene by the time it arrived.

It's suspected that five people were in the van and the injuries are assumed to have been of a minor nature, said Ruben.

A search of the scene turned up a small quantity of marijuana in the van, he noted.

Some beer and other alcohol was also found, but outside the van in an area where a campfire was made.

On Monday, Ruben said it was too soon to say whether charges would be laid, but the investigation was ongoing.

The police have become aware of one person who was in the van.

"It's a matter of him providing more information to us," said Ruben. "I'm sure we'll be able to identify everybody by the end of the week."