Police arrested 43 people from Nunavut and Quebec, who are now facing marijuana trafficking charges. The sting, which involved 200 RCMP officers and spanned 17 months, was known as Project Crystal. Four of those arrested are from Nunavut. - NNSL file photo

John Thompson
Northern News Services

Iqaluit (June 06/05) - A major drug ring that smuggled marijuana into Nunavut and Northern Quebec has been broken, police say.

RCMP arrested 43 people from Quebec and Nunavut during the early hours of Tuesday, May 21. The raids were the culmination of a 17-month operation that involved 200 officers, known as Project Crystal.

The drugs were shipped from Montreal to Northern communities in small packages via Canada Post, said Sgt. Brigdit Leger in Iqaluit.

"It's a battle we've been waging a long time."

She described the drug-smuggling operation as one of the major suppliers of marijuana to Nunavut.

Police in Nunavut spend much of their time responding to calls about violent acts that are connected with alcohol and drugs, Leger said.

"It will have a direct, positive impact on our communities."

More arrests will follow in related investigations, Leger said. "There will be spin-offs."

"Partnerships from this will be instrumental for future investigations."

Bobby Eyaituk, Elizabeth Novalinga and Isaac Amitook from Sanikiluaq, and Luke Piungituq from Clyde River face trafficking-related offenses in connection to Project Crystal.