Nunavut RCMP arrest Iqaluit man after seizing drugs, trafficking supplies and cash

An Iqaluit man faces several drug-related charges after police arrested him at a city residence on Wednesday, Dec. 11.

On Dec. 5, Nunavut RCMP’s federal serious and organized crime unit started an investigation into cocaine trafficking in Iqaluit, an RCMP news release said on Dec. 12.

With the assistance of the Iqaluit RCMP’s general investigative section and the territory’s major crimes unit, “a search warrant was executed at a residence on December 11,” the release said.

During the search, police found and seized a large quantity of drugs, trafficking supplies and cash.

Based on evidence collected during the investigation, police arrested Jesse Crooks, 35.

Crooks faces charges of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, production of psilocybin and two counts of possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, the release said.

Psilocybin is a hallucinogenic substance that can be obtained from certain types of mushrooms.

Crooks has had his first appearance in front of a justice of the peace. He will remain in remand until Dec. 17 when a bail hearing will take place at the Nunavut Court of Justice in Iqaluit, police said.

The RCMP said the investigation into the case continues.

In its Dec. 11 release, the RCMP reminded the public of the danger of using illegal drugs and unknown substances.

“Drugs can affect your judgment and your decision-making skills, ongoing use can lead to addictions and financial and social problems, and they can have a significant negative impact on your health including early or sudden death,” the release said.

If you are struggling with drug abuse or someone you care about has a problem with drugs, help is available by calling the Kamatsiaqtut Help Line at (867) 979-3333 or 1-800-265-3333,

And if you have information about a crime, you can provide this information anonymously to police through Crime Stoppers by calling their toll-free number 1-800-222-8477 or by submitting a tip online at www.nwtnutips.com or via text by texting NWTNUTIPS and your message to CRIMES (274637).