News release

Two arrested after Fort Resolution RCMP seize drugs, loaded pistol

March 8, 2026 - Fort Resolution, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

Two individuals have been charged after officers in Fort Resolution seized a quantity of crack cocaine and a handgun on Friday.

On March 27th, Fort Resolution RCMP received a report of two suspicious individuals on a trail in the community. Officers located the individuals, however there was no immediate evidence of criminality, and the subjects subsequently left the area.

Officers conducted a wider search of the area and located a hidden bag containing over 20 grams of suspected crack-cocaine, over $1000 in cash and a loaded pistol.

On March 28th Fort Resolution RCMP received a report of a violent incident at a residence in the community. Officers began an investigation and quickly identified the residence in question.

Officers entered the residence and arrested the two suspects that had been reported as suspicious the previous day in relation to the matter. One of the suspects was determined to have lied to police about his identity during the previous interaction. Further investigation linked the suspects to the seized bag from the previous day.

22-year-old Bilal Mohamed Ismail of Alberta, who had only just been released on March 9th on a probation order including conditions not to be in the Northwest Territories, has been charged with:

• Pointing a firearm, contrary to section 87(1) of the Criminal Code
• Using a firearm in the commission of an offence, contrary to section 85(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Extortion with a firearm, contrary to section 346(1.1) of the Criminal Code
• Careless use of a firearm, contrary to section 86(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition without licence, contrary to section 95(1) of the Criminal Code
• 2 counts - Weapons possession contrary to a weapons prohibition order, contrary to section 117.01(1) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a controlled substance for the purposes of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act
• Possession of property obtained by crime under $5000, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Obstructing a peace officer, contrary to section 129(a) of the Criminal Code
• 2 counts – Failure to comply with a probation order, contrary to section 733.1(1) of the Criminal Code
• Forcible confinement, contrary to section 279(2) of the Criminal Code

The second suspect, a 23-year-old Yellowknife man, was released on an undertaking to appear in court at a later date to answer to a charge of:

• Possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking, contrary to section 5(2) of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

As his charge has not yet been sworn in court, his name cannot be released.
Bilal Ismail appeared in court for a bail hearing and was remanded into custody.
The investigation remains ongoing. The parties involved are known to each other and the matter is related to the illicit drug trade. No injuries were reported to police.

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