Five people are facing charges after an investigation was launched by the Northwest Territories RCMP Federal Investigations Unit into the exploitation of a woman, as well as the trafficking of controlled substances, in Yellowknife.
The investigation came after Saskatoon Police Service’s Vice Unit shared some key information last week.
On November 30, police made contact with the woman. They advised she had concerns for her safety. Members of the Federal Investigations Unit were able to locate her in Yellowknife and ensure her safety.
Yellowknife RCMP assisted with the investigation into who was responsible for transporting the woman to Yellowknife. During the course of the investigation, it was learned the suspects in the Human Trafficking investigation, and others, were involved in transporting cocaine into the community as well.
On December 1, search warrants were executed at two hotel rooms in downtown Yellowknife. Approximately 729 individual bags of crack cocaine and one ounce of powder cocaine were seized.
Five people were charged in the investigation:
- Jonathan Ouellet-Gendron, 29, Montreal QC and Saskatoon SK
– Human Trafficking S. 279.01(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA
- Mohamed Mohamud Ali, 30, Calgary AB
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA
- Quintin Glasgow-Brownlow, 18, Edmonton AB
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA
– Breach Recognizance S. 145(3) C.C. (3 counts)
- Mahmoud Taliani, 30, Edmonton AB
– Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA
- Mohamed Abdula Ali, 30, Edmonton AB
– Obstruct Peace Officer S. 129(a) CC
– Breach Recognizance S. 145(3) CC
These individuals remain in custody, with the exception of Mohamed Abdula Ali, who was released before a Justice of the Peace.
