Crack cocaine seized near Enterprise following months-long investigation - Action News
Home WebMail Wednesday, November 13, 2024, 04:37 AM | Calgary | -1.4°C | Regions Advertise Login | Our platform is in maintenance mode. Some URLs may not be available. |
North

Crack cocaine seized near Enterprise following months-long investigation

On Sunday, the N.W.T. RCMP federal investigations unit stopped a vehicle near Enterprise and discovered approximately 450 grams of crack cocaine. The vehicle's two occupants were arrested.

Ronald Joseph Payne, 55, and Lyle Elliot Yanke, 61, both of Yellowknife, were arrested and charged

RCMP in the N.W.T. seized approximately 450 grams of crack cocaine after stopping and arresting two men in a vehicle near Enterprise. (Submitted by RCMP)

On Sunday, the N.W.T. RCMP federal investigations unit stopped a vehicle near Enterprise as part of a three month investigation into cocaine trafficking in the territory.

Police discovered approximately 450 grams of crack cocaine in the vehicle, and arrested the two occupants.

Ronald Joseph Payne, 55, and Lyle Elliot Yanke, 61, both of Yellowknife, have been charged with trafficking cocaine and possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

In a press release issued Tuesday, police say the men were believed to be on their way to Yellowknife.

Shortly after they were arrested, RCMP in Yellowknife carried out search warrants at two apartments in a downtown apartment building. Police discovered evidence of drug trafficking inside one of the apartments.

The RCMP in the Northwest Territories sees the damage done to our communities by the illicit drug trade on a daily basis," stated Staff Sgt. Dean Riouin the press release.

"In this case, we were able to arrest two individuals allegedly transporting drugs from Alberta into the N.W.T. and seize the drugs before they were able to reach our communities to do more harm.

Payne and Yanke were released after appearing before a Justice of the Peace on Monday. Their next court appearance is March 23, in Hay River.