Inuvik (July 21/06) - Judge Robert Gorin sent a strong message out to drug dealers in Inuvik this week sentenced two young men to jail for drug trafficking.

"The trafficking of drugs is not welcome in small communities," said Gorin, Monday afternoon.

Two young men were sentenced with jail time after pleading guilty to drug charges in connection with a May bust. Const. Jim Craig of the Inuvik RCMP stands with the collection of drugs and paraphernalia that were seized at the time. A pound of marijuana, a pound of hashish and approximately $10,000 were found during the raid of an Inuvik residence. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

Justin Elias, 18, and Tyson Joe, 18, were sentenced to time at North Slave Correctional Facility in Yellowknife after pleading guilty to charges relating to the trafficking of marijuana.

Elias was sentenced to eight months in jail while Joe was sentenced to six months.

According to information introduced in court, on May 3, RCMP received information that two men were dealing drugs, and a search warrant was obtained.

At 2:55 a.m. on May 4, officers entered a residence on Alder Drive, and found a substantial amount of drugs and related paraphernalia.

Elias was arrested first, and a search of his room uncovered bags of marijuana, blocks of hashish and money.

Gorin said the amount of drugs, money and paperwork that was found in Elias' room was "an indication of extensive business."

Crown attorney Brent LePage said this sort of activity is not welcome in the region.

"The Delta region doesn't need to see this sort of thing," he said.

Elias' defence lawyer said the call of easy money took over Elias' better judgment, and that he regretted his actions.

Court was also told that Joe had drugs and money hidden in his bedroom at the Alder residence.

"$7,500 was found hidden in his wall during the search," said LePage.

A cell phone, and sheets of paper with the phone number on it were also found with the money.

"I see that he was a productive member of society, with no prior criminal record," said Gorin.

Joe said he was sorry for getting involved with the drug dealing.

Gorin said that incarceration was necessary in this case for both in order to send a message out to other drug dealers.

"These are two 18-year-olds who were carrying out a small business out of a residence," said Gorin. "This makes me think it's all just part of something larger, and these boys are taking the hit for someone else."

Both Elias and Joe also have been prohibited from using firearms for 10 years.