Two individuals have received several major charges after a months long drug trafficking investigation from the “G” Division Federal Arctic Unit.
The investigation was initially launched in mid-January, and investigators were recently able to determine that, along with trafficking drugs, the main suspects in the case were also in possession of several firearms. With so many drug and firearm related arrests in Yellowknife in the last few weeks, it was decided that enforcement action would be taken as soon as possible in the interest of public safety.
On March 26th, Investigators learned that the suspects were staying in an AirBNB in downtown Yellowknife, and were able to obtain a search warrant for the location. The presence of firearms in this investigation meant that the “G” Division Emergency Response Team (ERT) and Critical Incident Program would be carrying out the search.
Before the search, however, a lone male was observed leaving the location in a taxi. Officers followed him to a nearby hotel, and when they attempted to arrest him, he fled on foot. The suspect resisted the arrest, but was quickly apprehended. A loaded 9mm Beretta handgun was found in the snow nearby the spot where he was arrested, and was determined to have been stolen from a location in Edmonton.
The Emergency Response Team executed the search warrant on the AirBNB. As soon as they arrived, a second male fled the scene through the door, and was quickly arrested thanks to the help of Police Dog Kazoo. The suspect suffered minor injuries and was taken to the hospital for treatment before being taken to a holding cell.
The search of the AirBNB revealed:
- 2477 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;
- Over $2000 cash
- Other drug trafficking paraphernalia (scales, baggies etc.)
The combined street value of the seized drugs is estimated to be around $300,000. The two men remain in custody, and have been charged as follows;
18-year-old Romero Senior from Toronto is charged with:
- Possession for the purpose of trafficking Cocaine
- Trafficking Cocaine
- Carrying a concealed weapon
- Unauthorized Possession of a firearm (3 counts)
- Possession of restricted firearm with ammunition (3 counts)
- Possess property obtained by crime under $5000
- Fail to comply with undertaking (2 counts)
- Resist/Obstruct Police Officer
24-year-old Abel Mehare, also from Toronto, has been charged with:
- Breach Recognizance
- Possession of a Loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
- Unauthorized Possession of Firearm
- Possession of a Prohibited Restricted Weapon Knowing Possession Unauthorized
- Possession Firearm Knowing Possession is Unauthorized
- Careless Storage of Firearm
- Possession of a Weapon
- Possession Prohibited Dev/Ammo Knowing Possession Unauthorized (x2)
- Unauthorized Possession Prohibited Device or Ammunition
In a statement, RCMP Media Relations Officer, Cpl. Matt Halstead said that “the presence of these armed individuals in Yellowknife is extremely concerning, particularly given the recent uptick in gun violence related to the drug trade. We encourage people to report suspicious activities to the police. These subjects specifically utilized Airbnb’s 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,”
Anyone who had additional information about this matter can contact the RCMP at 867-669-1111.
