Elder unknowingly carries drugs on plane
RCMP seized marijuana and eight bottles of alcohol
Miranda Scotland
Northern News Services
Published Monday, February 9, 2015
NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
RCMP detained an elder Feb. 7 for carrying eight bottles of alcohol and 55 grams of marijuana on a plane to Paulatuk.
Police do not believe the elder knew what she was carrying.
The woman said she was given three packages to take with her on the flight. RCMP would not say how the elder knew the person who passed her the items.
Six 1.77-litre and two 1.18-litre bottles of spirits as well as the marijuana were hidden amongst non-perishable food items, according to police.
RCMP seized the packages following an investigation in the community.
Charges have not been laid and the investigation is ongoing.
Paulatuk became a restricted community in 2008. People can't bring more than 1,175 ml of spirits into the hamlet during a seven-day period, according to the NWT Liquor Commission's website.
RCMP spokesperson Elenore Sturko reminds NWT residents they're responsible for everything they carry into a community, whether it's in their checked bag or carry on.
If a person is caught with illicit drugs and alcohol they can be charged with possession even if they didn't know what they were transporting.
"We don't want people being taken advantage of. It is common in the communities to bring cargo for other people. They're like 'hey, take this box of bananas or whatever up for me.' You just really have to be careful," she said.
"If someone asks you to carry something on the plane you have to check it out and be aware of exactly what it is. If it looks to be a suspicious item at all don't take it."
RCMP encourages anyone with information on this investigation to call the Paulatuk RCMP or Crime Stoppers.
