Police nab suspected drug traffickers in Kuujjuaq and Montreal

(updated May 24 at 4:20 p.m.)

A joint unit made up of the Kativik Regional Police Force and the Sûreté du Québec continue to crack down on drug trafficking in Nunavik with the arrest of two men, one in Kuujjuaq and another in Montreal, who each face numerous drug-related charges.

Johnny Duncan of Kuujjuaq was arrested May 9 in Kuujjuaq and charged with six counts of drug trafficking. Duncan, 43, who was working at the Kuujjuaq cargo office of First Air and Air Inuit, will appear again in court in Kuujjuaq on Aug. 29, SQ spokesperson Marie-Josée Ouellet said.

In Montreal on May 11, police arrested Kenneth MacDonald, 54. MacDonald faces 22 charges related to drug trafficking throughout Nunavik.

“He was identified as an important link in a [drug] distribution network,” Ouellet said.

MacDonald remains in custody and will appear again in court in Montreal on June 16.

In March, officers from the SQ and the KRPF seized more than five kilograms of marijuana and hashish, 15 firearms, cash, and drug production equipment in a raid carried out at three different Kuujjuaq residences.

Police also arrested Allan York, 55.

York later appeared at the Kuujjuaq courthouse on charges of drug possession, drug trafficking and careless storage of firearms.

Police say those searches and seizures followed an investigation that began in Kuujjuaq more than a year ago after police received a tip from a member of the public.

As the investigation continued, police said more arrests were likely.

The SQ is still asking Nunavimmiut who have information on drug trafficking or production activities in Nunavik to make a confidential report at 1-800-659-4264.

The KRPF can also be reached for tips at 1-800-964-2644.