News release

RCMP Federal Artic Unit makes largest seizure of illicit drugs and money in Northwest Territories history

February 14, 2025 - Yellowknife, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

In the fall of 2024, the RCMP’s Federal Arctic Unit embarked on a comprehensive investigation to disrupt drug traffickers operating within the Northwest Territories.

A number of investigative techniques were used throughout this investigation and its through this work that officers determined that organized crime elements, associated to individuals from Toronto and Edmonton, were trafficking drugs within the region.

On February 4^th, 2025, search warrants were executed at two properties and on one vehicle. The first property was a home located in the downtown area and the second property was an apartment in the School Draw area.

As a result of these search warrants, the RCMP seized:

• A taser;
• More than $360,000 in cash; and
• 4.7 kg of cocaine - this amount represents nearly 16,000 doses with an estimated street value of $950,000.

Three individuals have been arrested in relation to this investigation:

Sapphire Ingham, 25, a resident of Edmonton, Alberta, was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking cocaine contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; 
• Possession of a prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized contrary to section 92(2) of the Criminal Code;
• Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition contrary to section 95(1)(b) of the Criminal Code; and,
• Possession of property obtained by crime contrary to section 354(1) of the Criminal Code.

Nuridin Ali, 30, a resident of Toronto, Ontario, was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking cocaine contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; 
• Possession of a prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized contrary to section 92(2) of the Criminal Code;
• Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition contrary to section 95(1)(b) of the Criminal Code; 
• Possession of property obtained by crime contrary to section 354(1) of the Criminal Code;
• Possession of firearm contrary to prohibition order contrary to section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code; and,
• Failure to comply with probation order contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code.

Brandon Alexander Thomas, 30, a resident of Toronto, Ontario, was arrested and charged with:

• Trafficking cocaine contrary to section 5(1) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act;
• Possession for the purpose of trafficking contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act; 
• Possession of a prohibited weapon, device or ammunition knowing its possession is unauthorized contrary to section 92(2) of the Criminal Code;
• Possession of prohibited or restricted firearm with ammunition contrary to section 95(1)(b) of the Criminal Code;
• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 contrary to section 354(1) of the Criminal Code; and,
• Possession of firearm contrary to prohibition order contrary to section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code.

Quotes

We believe this is the largest drug seizure as well as money seizure in the history of the Northwest Territories. There is no doubt that this investigation has significantly disrupted a drug trafficking and organized crime network within the Northwest Territories and I am confident that it will make a difference to residents throughout the area.

A/Commr. Lisa Moreland, Regional Commander, Federal Policing, Northwest Region, RCMP

The removal of these dangerous drugs from our streets helps to protect lives and represents a significant step toward a safer and healthier community.

C/Supt. Dyson Smith, Commanding Officer, Northwest Territories RCMP

Contacts

Constable Josh Seaward
Media Relations Officer
Royal Canadian Mounted Police
RCMP.NTMedia-NTMedias.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
https://rcmp.ca/en/nwt
https://facebook.com/rcmpnt