Police arrest five for selling drugs in front of Iqaluit stores

Following a February investigation, police arrested five people on charges of drug possession and trafficking in front of Iqaluit grocery stores. (FILE PHOTO)

Nunavut police say an investigation into drug sales in Iqaluit has paid off: the RCMP has arrested five people on charges of drug possession for the purpose of trafficking following a February investigation focused in Iqaluit.

The RCMP said on Tuesday, Feb. 27 that the investigation targeted drugs sold to the community outside of Iqaluit grocery stores.

The front entrance areas of the Northmart and Arctic Ventures Marketplace stores in Iqaluit have been popular hangouts for street dealers for years.

About a year ago, Iqaluit city councillors complained to the RCMP about drug dealers who hang out at local stores and sometimes threaten staff.

On Feb. 24, police arrested four men and one woman after the RCMP seized cash, marijuana and 20 pills believed to be methamphetamine.

All five face charges of possession of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking. A man also faces a charge of possession of methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

The accused will make their first court appearances on May 24.

The Nunavut RCMP encourages people with information about drug trafficking in their community to contact their local RCMP detachment or call Crime Stoppers to report a tip anonymously at 1-800-222-8477.