News release

The Yukon Crime Reduction Unit executes search warrant at Range Road apartment

November 7, 2025 - Whitehorse, Yukon
From: Yukon RCMP

Content

On November 6, 2025, members of the Yukon Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) identified a person who was subject of a Canada-Wide arrest warrant.

Marwin Selvarajan was wanted for various charges including robbery and assault with a weapon originating in Vancouver BC. CRU located Marwin Selvarajan in a rental vehicle while purchasing fuel in Riverdale, and arrested him, without incident, on the strength of the warrant. He was found in possession of bear spray, and was also arrested for possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

At the time of the arrest, police located a small amount of cash and just under 3 ounces of believed powder and crack cocaine prepared for re-sale in individual packages.

CRU continued their investigation into Marwin Selvarajan resulting in grounds to obtain a search warrant of his residence, which was determined to be a short term rental located in a complex on Range Road. A Controlled Drugs and Substance Act search warrant was prepared and granted by a Judge. A risk assessment was conducted, and a Critical Incident Commander was engaged. 

The RCMP's Critical Incident Program (CIP) is a specialized response unit that manages high-risk events. It coordinates specialized teams, including crisis negotiators and the Emergency Response Team (ERT), under a critical incident commander and is employed to ensure the safest possible outcome for both the public and for officers.

In this situation, the Crime Reduction Unit was executing a search warrant on a residence where police knew there was at least one person inside that was suspected to also be involved in illicit drug trafficking. Each situation is carefully assessed to determine risk and the appropriate response including which specialized resources and equipment are required.

In this instance, one of the persons associated to the apartment was believed to be associated to organized crime who are often found to be in possession of firearms and other weapons. It was determined that prior notification and evacuation of the entire building would have put the public at greater risk.

The Emergency Response Team under the command of a Critical Incident Commander, deployed tear gas into the residence designated in the search warrant. Members of ERT also used a mechanical breaching tool (ram) and a ballistic shield, designed to keep them and their surroundings safe.

In this instance, the gas vapour impacted other residence of the apartment building. As part of the planning for this operation, contingency measures, which included the Whitehorse Fire Department, Yukon Emergency Medical Services and RCMP Emergency Medical Response Team were on standby to deal with any medical emergencies which may have resulted. Once it became immediately apparent that other residents were impacted, all of the above-mentioned services were afforded to them as they presented themselves to the RCMP. The RCMP and Whitehorse Fire Department then took steps to decontaminate the building.

The Search warrant was executed, and a male was arrested and taken into custody. Items related to drug trafficking and $2270 in cash were seized.

Marwin Selvarajan was held in custody for a court appearance on November 7, 2025 at 1 pm. In addition to having to appear in court on the Canada wide warrant, he was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possess property obtained by crime under $5000 and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.

Quick facts

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