Norman Wells RCMP lay charges after public tip leads to weapon and cash seizure

June 4, 2026 - Norman Wells, Northwest Territories
From: Northwest Territories RCMP

Content

Two people were arrested after Norman Wells responded to a tip from the public regarding suspected drug trafficking.

On May 31st, police in Norman Wells received a tip from a member of the public that several individuals were travelling from Fort Good Hope to Norman Wells and were suspected of having been involved in drug activity within Fort Good Hope. One of the individuals was already wanted on an outstanding warrant from Alberta in relation to several offences, including unauthorized possession of a firearm.

Officers attended the Norman Wells Airport and intercepted the individuals, who were taken into custody. A subsequent search revealed one of the suspects was in possession of over $5000 in cash and a machete.

As a result, 31-year-old Diego Ellis of British Columbia has been charged with:

• Possession of property obtained by crime over $5000, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code
• Possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, contrary to section 88(1) of the Criminal Code

A 37-year-old Fort Good Hope man was arrested on his outstanding Alberta warrant but did not receive additional charges.

Both men were held for bail hearings. The 37-year-old was remanded and will be transported back to Alberta to face prosecution on his outstanding charges.

Diego Ellis was released by the court to appear at a later date.

The Norman Wells RCMP would like to highlight that this disruption to the illicit drug trade in the area resulted from a member of the public willing to share information with the police.

We are grateful to have the support of our community and encourage anyone with information on the illicit drug trade or other crimes to contact their local detachment or reach out anonymously through Crime Stoppers at https://p3tips.com

Contacts