Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit execute search warrant, 2 men charged with drug trafficking and related offences

May 31, 2023
Whitehorse, Yukon

News release

During the morning of Saturday, May 27, 2023, a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act search warrant was executed by multiple RCMP Units at a residence on Azure Road in Whitehorse. The operation was led by the Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit, with the assistance of Whitehorse Detachment, and officers of the Yukon RCMP's Critical Incident Program, as well as Emergency Response Team members from both RCMP "G" and "K" Divisions.

22-year-old Hamza Omar Yassin of Richmond, British Columbia and 23-year-old Salah Ali Aden of Edmonton, Alberta, were arrested for Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine).

Both were charged with the following offences:
• Trafficking Schedule 1 Substance (Cocaine)
• Possession of Schedule 1 Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (Cocaine)
• Possess Proceeds of Crime Over $5000.00
• Money Laundering

During the execution of this search warrant, the following items were seized:
• Over $130,000 Canadian currency;
• A large quantity (694 grams) of believed cocaine, packaged for resale;
• Cell phones;
• Scales and packaging materials;

Investigators also seized a Nissan Frontier pickup truck, which is alleged to have been used during the commission of offences, specifically drug trafficking.

"The primary mandate of the Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit is to detect, disrupt and further prevent organized crime from operating in the Yukon. This investigation provides a snapshot of the organized crime activity taking place in the Yukon including the drug trafficking that is occurring in Whitehorse that is destined for our communities within the Territory. This investigation has disrupted the flow of drugs into our Yukon communities, and removed over a hundred thousand dollars out of the hands of criminals." says Superintendent Lindsay Ellis, Officer in Charge of Criminal Operations for the Yukon RCMP.

Hamza Yassin and Salah Aden appeared in Territorial Court on May 28, and were remanded into custody until May 29 when they were released on bail, with conditions to leave the Yukon and only return for court appearances. They are scheduled to appear in Territorial court in Whitehorse on July 12, 2023, at 9:30 am.

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Contact information

Yukon RCMP
867-667-5555

File number: Dossier : 2003-315365

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