The Northwest Territories RCMP responded to approximately 408 calls for service between Friday (September 29th) at 6:00 p.m. night to this morning (October 3rd) at 8:00 a.m.
RCMP detachments around the territory marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by wearing orange shirts and participating in community lead events. RCMP in Tuktoyaktuk were asked to participate and lead a community walk. The Fort Providence RCMP hosted a Survivor's Flag raising ceremony that was followed by a BBQ and community walk. The Fort Providence ceremonies were particularly poignant for one of the Constables posted to Fort Providence. Constable Andrew Nunez is the son of a residential school survivor and graciously shared his story and perspectives with the other members of the Fort Providence Detachment. These and other events throughout the territory are important reminders of the role and responsibility the RCMP have in working towards reconciliation every day.
Robbery – Yellowknife
On September 29th, 2023 at approximately 7:25 p.m. the Yellowknife RMCP received a complaint from a man who reported that he was robbed on the street. The man reported that he was walking in downtown Yellowknife when he was approached by three men who were not known to him. One of the men brandished what appeared to be a firearm and demanded items from the complainant. The man then assaulted the complainant with a baton before taking a number of items and fleeing the area with the other two men. RCMP attended but were unable to locate the three suspects. This investigation is on-going and RCMP are asking anyone with information to call the Yellowknife RCMP at 867-765-3900 or to contact CrimeStoppers.
Aggravated Assault – Fort Smith
On September 30th, 2023, the Fort Smith RCMP received a complaint of two people who were reported to be passed out near the Fort Smith Recreational Center. Officers attended and located two men who were suffering injuries that were consistent with a serious assault. The men were transported to the Fort Smith Health Centre for treatment. One of the men had to be airlifted to Edmonton for additional treatment as a result of serious injuries to his face. The other man was treated in hospital and released some time afterward. This man was interviewed by police but was unable to provide any information about what had happened to him. The Fort Smith RCMP are continuing to investigate this incident and are asking anyone with information to call the Fort Smith RCMP at 867-872-1111 or contact CrimeStoppers.
Controlled Drugs and Substances Act – Hay River
On October 1st, 2023, the Hay River RCMP executed a drug warrant at a residence in Hay River. The warrant was in relation to an on-going investigation into the use and sale of Fentanyl within the community of Hay River. Investigators were tipped off to the location after responding to two suspected overdoses at the residence within five hours. The first incident occurred on September 22 around 9 p.m. Officers were called to the residence after receiving a call that a woman was overdosing on Fentanyl. Officers attended and had to administer four doses of Narcan in order to have the women regain consciousness. EMS attended and took the woman to the hospital. Approximately five hours later, at 1:56 a.m. on September 23rd, 2023, officers were called back to the same residence for a male who was reporting to be overdosing. RCMP officers re-attended the residence and determined that a number of other people in the residence had administered Naloxone before police arrived. The man was then transported to the hospital for additional treatment.
The Hay River RCMP began an investigation into the possession and sale of Fentanyl from this residence. This investigation resulted in a search warrant being authorized and executed on October 1st, 2023. The search resulted in the recovery of 65 grams of suspected Fentanyl and various other items. A man and woman were arrested and charges are pending.
Fentanyl is deadly in doses of roughly 2mg. The presence and use of Fentanyl is dangerous not only to those who use the substance but also to first responders. Information about opioid overdoses and the availability of Naloxone can be found at the highlighted links.