The Whati RCMP has made a drug arrest prior to the handgame tournament which begins today in the community.
According to an RCMP news release, Whati RCMP arrested and charged a 30-year-old man Tuesday for possession for the purpose of trafficking.
Police state that Whati RCMP arrested a man for mischief. Upon searching the individual during his arrest, police say he was allegedly in possession of one ounce of drugs, suspected to be crack cocaine.
As a result, Craig James Rabesca, from Whati, has been charged under the Controlled Drug and Substances Act with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.
Rabesca is to appear in court in Whati on May 19.
ʺWith the upcoming Dene Handgame Tournament in Whati from March 5th to 8th, an estimated 1000 visitors are expected to visit the small community,” Cst. Carman Dutz, of Whati RCMP said. “This is a significant seizure in our effort to maintain public safety and prevent the entry of illicit drugs in the community.ʺ
According to the RCMP, enforcement will be increased during the tournament in and around Whati, Behchoko and on the ice road to Whati. Travellers can expect to see road patrols and check stops.
The Northwest Territories RCMP Traffic Services would like to remind the public how dangerous it is to be operating a motor vehicle while impaired, be it alcohol or drugs, or a combination of both. Crashes involving alcohol and/or drugs are a leading criminal cause of death in Canada, the RCMP says.
Anyone with information on suspicious activity is asked to call Whati RCMP at 573-1111, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 nwtnutips.com, (click on “submit a web tip”) or text: “nwtnutips” plus your message to 274637.
arthur.green@cklbradio.com
Twitter.com/artcgreen
