NUNAVUT - RCMP have seized over $800,000 in drugs and alcohol headed to addresses in Nunavut.

Sgt. Jimmy Akavak: $800,000 in drugs and alcohol headed to addresses in Nunavut have been seized through the efforts of several agencies. - Emily Ridlington/NNSL photo

"There were 55 parcels for 14 communities in the territory," said RCMP Sgt. Jimmy Akavak at a press conference on Nov. 15.

As part of the postal inspection project, the RCMP drug section in Iqaluit joined forces with RCMP in Ottawa, the Surete du Quebec, the Canada Border Services Agency and inspectors in Montreal for the seizure Oct. 25-28.

Parcel inspections took place at Canada Post's sorting facility in Montreal.

Some of the packages found were similar in size and shape and from the same sender, and some amounts of marijuana were concealed in a brand new microwave which had been taken apart and put back together.

Seized were almost 11.5 kilograms of marijuana, 0.2 kilograms of cannabis resin known as hashish, 0.006 kilograms of marijuana oil and 40 bottles of illegal liquor along with digital scales and plastic bags, said Akavak.

The drugs and alcohol were to be resold in Nunavut.

The smallest package contained 28 grams of marijuana while the largest weighed 0.7 kilograms.

While police would not release the names of the communities the shipments were destined for, many are in the Eastern Arctic in the Baffin region.

As to how much the marijuana and other drugs would sell for, Akavak said that depends on supply and demand.

"It's the ultimate capitalist adventure," said RCMP Supt. Howard Eaton.

RCMP in both Ottawa and Iqaluit are now contacting the shippers and receivers of the packages seized.

"You are not allowed to send liquor or drugs through the mail," Akavak said.

Eaton said they would like to conduct similar investigations if they had more resources.

Charges have yet to be laid and the investigation is ongoing.

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