Home / Crime and Justice / Hay River Drug Bust: Gun, Cocaine Seized in Eviction Raid
Hay River Drug Bust: Gun, Cocaine Seized in Eviction Raid
20 Nov
Summary
- RCMP seized suspected crack-cocaine, a firearm, and over $12,000 cash.
- An Alberta man was arrested during an eviction due to safety concerns.
- The incident occurs amidst a severe drug crisis in Hay River.
RCMP in Hay River, N.W.T., have charged Rukundo Fota, 23, of Edmonton with multiple offenses following an eviction that uncovered illicit substances and a firearm. Police were present for the eviction due to safety concerns and discovered Fota in possession of cannabis and a weapon, breaching his bail conditions.
Further investigation of the residence revealed approximately 49 grams of suspected crack-cocaine, pre-packaged for sale, a prohibited pistol with its serial number removed, and over $12,000 in cash. Fota now faces charges including possession of a prohibited weapon and possession for the purpose of trafficking.
These charges come at a critical time as Hay River grapples with a severe drug crisis. The community has experienced 21 overdoses since October 22, with health officials issuing warnings about a new, dangerous mixture of carfentanil, remifentanil, and cocaine circulating in the area.
