Premier R.J. Simpson commends RCMP’s historic drug seizure, reaffirms GNWT’s commitment to tackling addiction and crime

February 18, 2025

Premier and Minister of Justice R.J. Simpson issued the following statement today regarding the recent RCMP drug seizure in Yellowknife:

Earlier this month, the RCMP carried out the largest drug and cash seizure in the history of the Northwest Territories—removing nearly five kilograms of cocaine, over $360,000 in cash, and a dangerous weapon from our streets. This was more than a bust—it was a major disruption to the criminal networks profiting off addiction and harming our communities.

Like many Northerners, I have seen the toll that illicit drugs take on families and communities. Addiction is not just an individual struggle—it is a crisis that affects us all. It fuels crime, deepens trauma, and endangers lives. No part of the North is untouched, and we cannot and will not stand by while organized crime targets Northerners.

I want to commend the RCMP for their tireless efforts in keeping Northerners safe. Their work sends a clear message: organized crime and drug traffickers are not welcome here.

Through new and upcoming legislation, the GNWT is working to provide law enforcement with more tools to shut down drug houses, seize assets from traffickers, and deter crime. We have also expanded policing resources, including a new Territorial Crime Reduction Unit and the first full-time Emergency Response Team in the NWT. These steps are part of our broader commitment to safe communities for Northerners—because every resident deserves to feel secure in their home and community.

Enforcement is essential, but it is only one part of the solution. The drug trade exists because there is demand, driven by addiction and trauma. As a government, we are focused not only on stopping traffickers but on breaking the cycle of addiction that fuels this crisis.

That is why we are providing support for wellness through expanded mental health and addictions services—to ensure that every Northerner struggling with substance use has access to the help they need, whether that is counseling, treatment, or other community-based support.
For those looking for help, there are free services available in every region of the NWT:

• Community Counselling Program: All NWT residents can access free in-person or virtual support for mental wellness, including substance use, addictions recovery, and family violence. Same-day, drop-in, and scheduled appointments are available. Contact your local Community Counselling Program to learn more about services in your area.
• Facility-Based Addictions Treatment: Residents have access to several treatment programs at no cost. To start, speak to a community counsellor, nurse, doctor, or social worker who can help begin the process.
• Online and Phone Support:
  • Kids Help Phone – 24/7 support for young people in distress. Call 1-800-668-6868, text CONNECT to 686868, or chat online at kidshelpphone.ca. Adults can also text WELLNESS to 741741 for support.
  • Hope for Wellness Help Line – Free, 24/7 counselling for Indigenous people across Canada. Call 1-855-242-3310 or chat online at Hope for Wellness. Services available in English, French, and upon request, Cree, Ojibway, and Inuktitut.
  • 811 Helpline – Free, confidential support for stress, anxiety, depression, grief, substance use, and more. Call 811 or 1-844-259-1793 for services in English and French, with translation available for all official NWT languages. More information at gov.nt.ca/811.
  • e-Mental Health Services – A variety of virtual programs are available for adults, families, and youth, including peer support, counselling, self-guided programs, and family coaching. Topics include substance use, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and other mental health challenges.

To those who are struggling with addiction: you are not alone, and help is available. And to those who profit from bringing drugs into our communities: your actions are harming people, and we are taking action to stop you.

The fight against the illegal drug trade is complex, and it won’t be solved overnight. But we are committed to disrupting organized crime, strengthening enforcement, and expanding support for Northerners who need help. This work will not stop.

Media Requests, please contact:

Cabinet Communications
Government of the Northwest Territories
PressSecretary@gov.nt.ca

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