Fort Simpson (Mar 21/05) - A Fort Simpson couple were charged with drug trafficking last week after police discovered more than 200 grams of pot and $5,000 in cash.

Arnold and Jacqueline Hope, 50 and 35 respectively, are each facing one count of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Arnold Hope is well known in the Deh Cho community of 1,200. He was heavily involved in band politics as a member of the Liidlii Kue and Deh Cho First Nations and finished third in the race for Nahendeh MLA in 2003. He is currently a member of the Fort Simpson Housing Authority Board of Directors.

RCMP Const. Bruce Rice said the 208 grams of marijuana seized in the raid was enough to roll 900 joints - enough for three quarters of the people in Fort Simpson.

The Hopes are scheduled to appear at territorial court in May in Fort Simpson.