News release

Fort Providence RCMP charge five in drug investigation

October 23, 2025 - Fort Providence, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

As part of a Controlled Drugs and Substances Act investigation, on October 20th, Fort Providence RCMP executed a search warrant at a residence on C Street.

Additional police resources including the Emergency Response Team, Territorial Crime Reduction Unit and Police Dog Services were present in the community to assist.

As a result of the search, officers seized approximately 133 grams of suspected crack-cocaine, four long-guns, an imitation pistol, assorted ammunition and other drug paraphernalia.

18-year-old Alexa Tale, 21-year-old Tykel Smith, 22-year-old Delvin Drybones, 53-year-old Melanie Thom and 59-year-old Darrel Gargan, all of the Northwest Territories, have been charged with:

• Trafficking a Schedule I substance, contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Possession of a Schedule I substance for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a firearm while knowing possession is unauthorized, contrary to section 92(1) of the Criminal Code
• Careless use of a firearm (2 counts), contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code

They each appeared before a Justice of the Peace and were remanded into custody. The investigation remains ongoing at this time.

This investigation reflects the G Division RCMP’s mandate and strategic priority to combat the illicit drug trade and protect communities from the harm associated with organized crime.

Anyone with information on this matter or the drug trade in Fort Providence is asked to contact the detachment at 867-699-1111 or Crimestoppers at https://p3tips.com

Contacts