Pang RCMP seize cash and marijuana in three busts

This marijuana was carefully packed up by a drug-dealer, but it didn’t prevent members of the RCMP from seizing it during a series of three busts this past month in Pangnirtung. (PHOTO/ RCMP)

Here’s a display of some of the cash and marijuana which RCMP members seized this past month in Pangnirtung, a total of nearly $2,000 in cash and 35 grams of marijuana in three separate operations. (PHOTO/ RCMP)

RCMP members came down hard on drug dealers in Pangnirtung this past month, seizing nearly $2,000 in cash and 35 grams of marijuana in three separate operations.

On May 5, at about 9:00 p.m., RCMP responded to a tip from a member of the public that a man was acting erratically near the bridge in Pangnirtung.

The man resisted the officers, but they arrested him, a May 30 news release said.

The man was found in possession of 15 pre-packaged grams of marijuana and $405 believed to be proceeds from the sale of marijuana, it said.

Jason Arnaqaq, 26, of Pangnirtung, is scheduled to appear before the Nunavut Court of Justice Aug. 30.

Arnaqaq faces charges of possessing marijuana for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime, and resisting police.

On May 15, at about 3:00 p.m., RCMP learned a man was selling marijuana at the Northern store in Pangnirtung.

RCMP seized approximately nine pre-packaged grams of marijuana and $737 believed to be proceeds from the sale of marijuana.

Ricky Veevee, 26, of Pangnirtung is scheduled to appear before the Nunavut Court of Justice Aug. 30, where he faces charges that include possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime.

Then, at about 10 p.m. on May 25, RCMP executed a search warrant authorized under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act at house 536 in Pangnirtung.

There, police seized 11 grams of pre-packaged marijuana along with $835, believed to be proceeds from sales of marijuana.

Jamie Komoartok, 30, of Pangnirtung is scheduled to appear before the Nunavut Court of Justice on Aug. 30, where he will face charges for possession of the marijuana for the purpose of trafficking and possession of the proceeds of crime.

In its May 30 news release, the RCMP thanked the members of the community of Pangnirtung for their assistance in these investigations.

The RCMP continues to ask any members of the community who have knowledge of criminal activity to contact the RCMP.

“Your name can be kept confidential and you may be eligible for a cash award,” the news release said.