Yellowknife (Oct 24/03) - A Yellowknife woman is accusing the RCMP of overstepping their authority after she was ordered off the street during a massive police operation two weeks ago.

Patti Verlin, 37, said she was about to go into the Reddi Mart at around midnight on Oct. 10 to buy cigarettes when she was approached by four RCMP officers who threatened to arrest her if she didn't leave the area.

"It upset me," said Verlin, who works at H&R Block.

"We have certain rights as adults."

That night the RCMP, along with a number of other law enforcement agencies, were conducting a crackdown on drinking and drug abuse in the downtown core.

Nicknamed Operation Hydra, the sweep landed more than 35 people in jail for a host of offenses from public drunkenness to drug dealing.

"I understand the police have a job to do, but we're not all crooks, drug dealers and alcoholics," said Verlin.

"I was just minding my own business."

Verlin, who was with two friends at the time, said she had just hopped out of her car when she was approached by the officers.

"Clearly, I wasn't drunk."

Verlin said she was upset the officers were so abrupt.

"They just told us to get off the street or we would be arrested and that's it."

RCMP Sgt. Steve McVarnock said he was not aware of the confrontation, but people are allowed to be on the street at night as long as they aren't causing problems.

"People have a right to stick around downtown," he said.

McVarnock said officers will often "engage" minors if they're on the street late at night, but not adults.

Verlin did not file a complaint. "But if it happens again, I will," she said.