RCMP say the sentencing of a man following a drug trafficking arrest in Délı̨nę sends “a strong message” to other people involved in the drug trade.
Billy John McNeely, of Yellowknife, was arrested at Délı̨nę’s airport in August last year.
At the time, police said officers acting on a tip had found McNeely to be in possession of approximately 17 grams of suspected cocaine along with unspecified drug paraphernalia.
On Thursday, an RCMP spokesperson providing an update on the case said an additional 60 grams, not initially reported by police, “was located concealed on his person,” bringing the total to 77 grams. Police now say the substance was crack cocaine rather than cocaine.
In a news release, RCMP said McNeely had pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled substance for the purposed of trafficking, receiving a sentence of two years plus a day in custody.
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He is also subject to a 10-year firearms prohibition order, police stated.
“This conviction represents a positive outcome to this investigation, sending a strong message to others involved in or considering drug trafficking in our northern communities,” Cpl Charles Bond, the Délı̨nę detachment commander, was quoted as saying.
“The Délı̨nę RCMP will continue to work to reduce the harm caused by illegal drugs in the community and encourage residents to share any information they may have on such matters to police.”
On Wednesday, the Dene Nation reiterated its concern about drugs in NWT communities.
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The group of Dene leaders is planning a summit on the topic later this month.
In a news release, the Dene Nation said another Sahtu community, Fort Good Hope, had declared a state of emergency on March 31.
“Our communities are facing a crisis that requires immediate and unified action,” Dene National Chief George Mackenzie was quoted as saying.
“We must collaborate to find solutions that protect our members and preserve our way of life.”
