The RCMP Chief Superintendent for the NWT has made a fresh appeal for assistance in the case of Frank Gruben.
During a press conference held yesterday, Syd Lecky asked for the public’s help in the search for Gruben.
Gruben was last seen in Fort Smith on May 5.
According to Cabin Radio, Lecky asserted that the RCMP’s investigation into Gruben’s disappearance has been meticulous and thorough, involving experts from national headquarters to British Columbia.
Lecky emphasized that the RCMP remain actively engaged in the investigation, although all leads have been exhausted at this time.
The absence of a defined search area is the main factor impeding the progress in locating Gruben.
Lecky denied claims that a lack of missing persons legislation hindered their efforts, highlighting the absence of sufficient information as the main issue.
Unlike other jurisdictions, the NWT currently lacks missing persons legislation, as confirmed by the RCMP in May. Consequently, the only way to obtain an order for the release of records would be if there were indications of criminal involvement.
In the majority of Canadian jurisdictions, missing persons legislation grants the police the authority to request records related to a reported missing person.
Despite committing to developing a plan three years ago, the justice department of the Northwest Territories is still in the process of creating a missing persons act.
Lecky acknowledged the presence of rumors on social media and urged anyone with information to come forward.
Gruben, 30, is described as being of Inuit descent with brown eyes and black hair, 6 feet tall and 176 pounds.
Residents with any information are encouraged to contact any RCMP detachment, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or via crime stoppers’ website.
