Two men from Toronto are facing a slew of charges following a weeks-long drug trafficking investigation.
According to a release from NWT RCMP on Thursday afternoon, G Division’s Federal Arctic Unit launched the investigation and police determined that the targets of the probe weren’t just allegedly trafficking narcotics, but also firearms.
The decision was made to take action as soon as possible due to recent events in the city, namely the double homicide on Bigelow Crescent earlier this month.
On Wednesday, investigators tracked the pair to an Airbnb in downtown Yellowknife and got a search warrant for that location. Because guns were involved, the Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Critical Incident Program were called in to execute the warrant, stated the release.
The release also indicated that before the warrant was executed, a man was seen leaving the Airbnb in a taxi and was followed to a hotel in the city. Officers attempted to make an arrest, but the man fled on foot and put up a fight when the police took him into custody. A loaded 9mm Beretta handgun was found in the snow near where he was arrested.
It was later determined that the gun in question had been stolen in Edmonton.
As ERT members approached the Airbnb unit, a man reportedly ran out the door. He was taken into custody with the help of Kazoo, a member of the Police Dog Unit. The suspect suffered minor injuries and was taken to hospital to get checked out before being booked.
The search turned up 2,477 grams of suspected cocaine; approximately 514 grams of white powder, believed to be a cocaine cutting agent; a loaded .357 revolver; a loaded 9 mm Glock handgun; more than $2,000 in cash and other drug trafficking paraphernalia such as scales and baggies.
Romero Senior, 18, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine; trafficking cocaine; carrying a concealed weapon; three counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition; possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000; two counts of failing to comply with undertaking and resisting/obstructing a police officer.
Abel Mehare, 24, has been charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking cocaine; trafficking cocaine, obstructing a police officer; two counts of unauthorized possession of a firearm; two counts of possession of restricted firearm with ammunition; possessing property obtained by crime under $5,000 and three counts of failing to comply with an undertaking.
Police stated that Mehare was out on bail and has warrants out for his arrest for several alleged offences committed in Toronto.
“The presence of these armed individuals in Yellowknife is extremely concerning, particularly given the recent uptick in gun violence related to the drug trade,” stated Cpl. Matt Halstead, media relations officer for the NWT RCMP. “We encourage people to report suspicious activities to the police. These subjects specifically utilized Airbnbs and taxi-cabs as a safe haven to conduct their illicit business. We urge Airbnb owners and taxi-cab drivers to report any suspicious clients or activities to the police.”
If you have any information about drug trafficking anywhere in Yellowknife, Ndilo or Dettah, you’re asked to call Yellowknife RCMP at 867-669-1111 or send a tip to Crime Stoppers at www.p3tips.com.