Premier R.J. Simpson has just shared a statement commending the RCMP on their recent operation that resulted in the largest seizure of drugs and cash in the NWT’s history.
Earlier this month, the Yellowknife RCMP shared the results of a major operation to disrupt the trafficking of drugs across the Northwest Territories. The investigation resulted in more than $360,000 in cash and 4.7kg of cocaine (valued at $950,000) being seized by the police.
Premier Simpson shared his thoughts on the matter.
“This was more than a bust—it was a major disruption to the criminal networks profiting off addiction and harming our communities.
Like many Northerners, I have seen the toll that illicit drugs take on families and communities. Addiction is not just an individual struggle—it is a crisis that affects us all. It fuels crime, deepens trauma, and endangers lives. No part of the North is untouched, and we cannot and will not stand by while organized crime targets Northerners.
I want to commend the RCMP for their tireless efforts in keeping Northerners safe. Their work sends a clear message: organized crime and drug traffickers are not welcome here.
Through new and upcoming legislation, the GNWT is working to provide law enforcement with more tools to shut down drug houses, seize assets from traffickers, and deter crime. We have also expanded policing resources, including a new Territorial Crime Reduction Unit and the first full-time Emergency Response Team in the NWT. These steps are part of our broader commitment to safe communities for Northerners—because every resident deserves to feel secure in their home and community.”
At the end of his statement, Premier Simpson shares the belief that the drug trade continues to exist in the North simply because there is a demand for drugs caused by addiction and trauma. He then shares a number of services designed to help people overcome any addictions they may have.
Community Counselling Programs and Facility-Based Addictions Treatments are available, as well as several online and phone based supports.
- Kids Help Phone offers twenty-four hour support and can be reached at 1-800-668-6868, or at kidshelpphone.ca.
- Hope for Wellness Help Line offers twenty-four hour help for Indigenous people across the country. They can be reached at 1-855-242-3310.
- The 811 Help Line offers free and confidential support for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, substance issues, and other problems. They can be reached at 811, or 1-844-259-1793.
