Over the weekend of July 7-9, 2023, Yukon RCMP arrested three people and seized cocaine related to two drug trafficking investigations around Whitehorse.
Following an investigation into drug trafficking occurring within Whitehorse, the Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) made two arrests during the afternoon of July 7, 2023. After making observations near 4th Avenue and Alexander Street, consistent with drug trafficking, Stuart Andrews, age 25 of Rosthern, Saskatchewan, and Dorian Joshua Copeman, age 20 of Regina, Saskatchewan, were arrested in downtown Whitehorse by members of the Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit.
During the search of the two men and their vehicle, police seized approximately 21 grams of cocaine, packaged for sale, and over $1000 in Canadian currency.
Both Mr. Andrews and Mr. Copeman were charged with the following offences:
- Possession of Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine), S.5(2) Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; and
- Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.00, S.354(1)(a) Criminal Code.
They made their first court appearance on July 8, and were released on conditions, which included not to attend the Yukon, except for court appearances. Their next court date is scheduled for July 26, 2023, in Territorial Court, in Whitehorse.
The following day, July 8, 2023, Whitehorse RCMP Detachment general duty officers conducted a traffic stop on an unregistered vehicle. After an investigation on scene, the driver was found to be in possession of 45 grams of cocaine as well as cash, scales, and other drug paraphernalia. His name cannot be released at this time but will become available after an upcoming court appearance.
"Yukon RCMP is continuing to support a healthy and safer Whitehorse with drug trafficking investigations like these," says Supt. Lindsay Ellis, Criminal Operations Officer for Yukon RCMP. "One of our ongoing goals is to disrupt the criminal activity that puts our communities at risk and we are proud of the work done on these two files, and daily around the Yukon to keep the territory safe."
Anyone with information on either of these investigations is encouraged to reach out to Yukon RCMP at 867 667 5555.