Yellowknife have put a major dent in the local drug trade after a series of arrests and seizures of crack cocaine, powdered cocaine, firearms, ammunition and cash SA国际影视传媒� believed to be proceeds of crime.

According to a news release from the Mounties, officers last month identified a network of people SA国际影视传媒� most of whom were from out of town, who had recently set up a drug distribution network in the city.

Police then launched an investigation. It culminated with the Federal Investigation Unit's execution of two residential and two non-residential search warrants in the city on Friday and the arrest of seven suspects.

About 300 grams of crack cocaine, a small amount of powdered cocaine, four firearms, ammunition and cash, estimated to be in excess of $50,000 and a safe were seized.

The two residential search warrants were conducted in the downtown area of Yellowknife and the two other search warrants were executed on a storage locker and a vehicle, police stated in an email.

Sgt. Dean Riou of the G Division Federal Investigations Unit said five of the seven people charged are believed to have moved to Yellowknife to sell drugs.

SA国际影视传媒淭hree of those people were already facing serious charges in other jurisdictions. Another one of the seven was on parole as a result of a previous drug trafficking conviction. This group is part of a larger network operating throughout Canada, and it is concerning that they were attempting to establish a foothold in Yellowknife,SA国际影视传媒� Riou stated in the news release.

SA国际影视传媒淲e are pleased our short investigation resulted in the seizure of guns and cocaine, as well as significant proceeds derived from the sale of drugs. The seized money could have been used to benefit families and the community, and is instead ending up in the hands of organized crime.SA国际影视传媒�

Riou went on to state the weapons seized included a sawed off shotgun and a Mossberg .22 calibre semi-automatic rifle. At least one of the firearms is believed to have been stolen in Yellowknife, Riou stated.

According to Riou, two suspects are also charged with impersonation after allegedly maintaining the identity of another person during the arrest and booking process, or during previous dealings with police in the investigation.

All of the accused appeared in court yesterday. It was unclear as of press time whether any of them were granted bail.

Fact File:

Suspects facing drug charges after latest arrests in Yellowknife

Gary Gattie, 50, of Yellowknife

Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000

Chantel Mingilgak, 27 of Yellowknife

Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, five firearms offences, including possession of a stolen firearm and possession of a firearm with a defaced serial number

Mamadou Gueye, 29, of Montreal

Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, five firearms offences, three counts of impersonation with intent and five breaches of recognizance

Liban Mohamood Mohammed, 26, of Calgary

Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, impersonation with intent

Mohammed was on federal parole SA国际影视传媒� Correctional Service Canada issues parole revocation

Mousa Kaba, 29, of Cranbrook, B.C.

Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000

Farhan Hussein, 27, of Regina

Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000 and three breaches of recognizance

Jean Kelly Lavaud, 29, of Montreal

Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking, possession of the proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000 and three breaches of recognizance