A traffic stop in Inuvik led to the arrest of a 25-year-old man and the seizure of a loaded handgun, RCMP say.
According to a Monday news release, police received multiple reports of an erratic driver in the community around 10:30 p.m. on April 11. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the vehicle fled but was later located.
The driver was arrested, while two other occupants fled on foot and remain at large.
Police say a loaded restricted handgun was found in a backpack inside the vehicle. Officers also seized $734 in cash from the driver, identified as Wellington Cardozo of British Columbia.
Cardozo has been charged with eight offences, including possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, flight from a peace officer, and failure to comply with release conditions. He remains in custody and is expected to appear in court on Tuesday.
“Investigations such as these highlight that Inuvik is not immune to the potential violence associated with the drug trade,” said Jesse Aubin, detachment commander of Inuvik RCMP. “The fight against crime must be a concerted effort between the RCMP and the community.”
Anyone with information about this incident or other illegal activity is asked to contact Inuvik RCMP at 867-777-1111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.
