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HAY RIVER - A routine traffic stop by police of a speeding vehicle on Highway 1, north of the NWT/Alberta border, has resulted in a significant seizure of marijuana.

The Dec. 16 seizure is estimated to be more than 2.2 kilograms, which is equivalent to more than 6,700 marijuana cigarettes.

This marijuana - more than 2.2 kilograms - was seized by the RCMP during a traffic stop on Highway 1. - photo courtesy of the RCMP

"It was a good catch," said Cpl. Michael Carter of the RCMP's 'G' Division Traffic Services based in Hay River.

"Over 6,700 marijuana cigarettes removed from the streets, that's a considerable impact on the community," Carter said.

The police say the final destination for the drugs was Hay River.

In the mid-afternoon of Dec. 16, members of RCMP Traffic Services were on patrol in two vehicles on Highway 1 to do traffic enforcement.

Carter said a constable observed a speeding vehicle and confirmed by radar that it was exceeding the 90 kph posted speed limit.

The vehicle was stopped and further investigation by the constable and Carter, who arrived minutes later, found the drugs.

Both occupants of the vehicle were arrested and have been charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking contrary to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

The accused are Daniel Posthumus, 38, and Charlotte Pascal, 35, both of Edmonton.

They have been released from custody and have been ordered to appear in Hay River Territorial Court on Feb. 18.

Carter said the vehicle was searched because there was an odour of alcohol detected and a computer search during the stop revealed the driver had outstanding assault charges in Edmonton.

Carter said the RCMP is watching for traffic violations on the highway with an increased focus on driving safety over the holidays.

Over the past few weeks, there have been three significant drug seizures in the NWT.

The total amount of drugs taken off the streets between Nov. 19 and Dec. 16 in Hay River and Yellowknife is 1.07 kilograms of crack cocaine and 5.8 kilograms of marijuana, along with a large quantity of cash and a firearm.

Six persons in all have been charged.

"We are making a big dent in the drug industry in the NWT," said Sgt. Wayne Norris, the media relations officer with 'G' Division. "We are committed to safe homes and safe communities, and any interruption in the drug supply contributes to this. We remain vigilant in our watch over our communities."