News release

Inuvik RCMP arrest and charge a 25-year old for Possession of a Prohibited Firearm

April 14, 2025 - Inuvik, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

Inuvik RCMP arrested and charged a 25-year old man from British Columbia for Possession of a Prohibited Firearm, following a traffic stop in the community.

At approximately 10:30 pm, on April 11th, Inuvik RCMP received numerous reports of an erratic driver. RCMP members located the vehicle and attempted a traffic stop, but the driver fled.

The vehicle was later located with three occupants inside. Inuvik RCMP initiated a traffic stop, but all three occupants fled on foot.

The driver was located a short time later after a brief foot pursuit, and arrested. The two other suspects remain at large.

Upon searching the vehicle, Inuvik RCMP found a loaded restricted handgun in a backpack. A sum of $730 CAD was also located on Cardozo.

As a result of this investigation, Wellington Cardozo, 25, from British Columbia, was charged with numerous Criminal Code offences:

• 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 Tuesday, April 15, 2025.

Inuvik RCMP believe that this incident has ties to the drug trade.

Anyone who has information about this incident or any other illegal activity is asked 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 an emergency call, 911.

Quotes

“Investigations such as these highlight that Inuvik is not immune to the potential violence associated with the drug trade.

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.”

S/Sgt Jesse Aubin, Inuvik RCMP Detachment Commander

Contacts

Julie Plourde
Media Relations Officer
Royal Canadian Mounted Police - G Division
RCMP.NTMedia-NTMedias.GRC@rcmp-grc.gc.ca
https://rcmp.ca/en/nwt
https://www.facebook.com/rcmpnt