Two suspects remain at large after a B.C. man was arrested in Inuvik on Friday. Inuvik RCMP announced that they have arrested and charged a 25-year old man from B.C. for Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, following a traffic stop in the community. Investigators report that the incident may be related to the drug trade.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on April 11.
Inuvik RCMP reported that at approximately 10:30 pm they received numerous reports of an erratic driver.
RCMP members tracked down the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled. The RCMP later located the vehicle along with three occupants inside.
When the Inuvik RCMP initiated a traffic stop all three occupants fled on foot. After a brief foot pursuit the driver was located and arrested.
The two other suspects remain at large.
A police search found a loaded restricted handgun in a backpack as well as $730 in cash.
As a result of this investigation, Wellington Cardozo, 25, from British Columbia is facing numerous charges under the Criminal Code:
- Possession of firearm in motor vehicle CC 94(1)
- Flight from Peace Officer CC 320.17
- Possession of restricted firearm CC 95(1)
- Unsafe storage of firearms CC 86(2)
- Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose CC 88(1)
- Fail to comply with release order condition CC 145(5)(a)
- Possession of property obtained by crime less than or equal $5000 CC 354(1)(a)
- Resist/obstruct Peace Officer CC 129(a)
Wellington Cardozo has been remanded and will appear in Territorial Court on April 15
Inuvik RCMP believe that this incident has ties to the drug trade.
“Investigations such as these highlight that Inuvik is not immune to the potential violence associated with the drug trade”, said S/Sgt Jesse Aubin, Detachment Commander of Inuvik RCMP in a press release issued today.
Inuvik RCMP thanked the public for their cooperation.
“I would like to thank the community of Inuvik for reporting such suspicious activities. The fight against crime must be a concerted effort between the RCMP and the community,” said S/Sgt Jesse Aubin
The RCMP ask anyone who has information about this incident or any other illegal activity to contact the Inuvik RCMP at 867-777-1111 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.nwtnu.crimestoppersweb.com. In the event of emergency the RCMP ask the public to call 911.
