RCMP say man tried to smuggle drugs into Yellowknife jail

A 20-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle marijuana and tobacco into Yellowknife's jail, and then escaping police custody.

The RCMP say its Federal Investigation Unit and Police Dog Services began a drug investigation late Tuesday afternoon "after uncovering evidence regarding drug traffickingand contraband smuggling" at the North Slave Correctional Centre.

That evening, officers arrested a suspect on the jail's property, and found a quantity of marijuana and tobacco.

The incident comes in the wake of recent changes to the way corrections centre officers monitor contraband at the facility.

While handcuffed and in police custody, the manfled from police in an attempt to escape, says the RCMP. Officers and police dogs pursued the suspect and he was taken into custody.

The man required medical treatment "for minor injuries sustained during the attempted escape and subsequent arrest."

Charges are pending for possession for the purpose of trafficking, obstructionand escape lawful custody.