As a result of information received on November 30, 2017 from the Saskatoon Police Service's Vice Unit, an investigation was launched by the Northwest Territories RCMP Federal Investigations Unit into the exploitation of an adult female, as well as the trafficking of controlled substances, in Yellowknife.
On November 30, 2017, police made contact with the female, who advised she had concerns for her safety. Members of the "G" Division Federal Investigations Unit were able to locate her in Yellowknife and ensure her safety.
Yellowknife Detachment and General Investigations Section assisted with the investigation into who was responsible for transporting the female to Yellowknife. During the course of this investigation, it was learned that the suspects in the Human Trafficking investigation, and others, were involved in transporting cocaine into the community as well.
On December 1, 2017, search warrants were executed at two hotel rooms in downtown Yellowknife. Approximately 729 individual bags of crack cocaine and one ounce of powder cocaine were seized during the investigation.
The following people were charged in this investigation:
- Jonathan Ouellet-Gendron (Age 29) – Montreal QC and Saskatoon SK
- Human Trafficking S. 279.01(1)(b) of the Criminal Code
- Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA
- Mohamed Mohamud Ali (Age 30) – Calgary AB
- Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA
- Quintin Glasgow-Brownlow (Age 18) – Edmonton AB
- Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA
- Breach Recognizance S. 145(3) C.C. (3 counts)
- Mahmoud Taliani (Age 30) – Edmonton AB
- Possession of Cocaine for the Purpose of Trafficking S. 5(2) CDSA
- Mohamed Abdula Ali (Age 30) – Edmonton AB
- Obstruct Peace Officer S. 129(a) CC
- Breach Recognizance S. 145(3) CC
These individuals remain in custody, with the exception of Mohamed Abdula Ali, who was released before a Justice of the Peace.
"This successful investigation is the result of strong partnerships and information sharing with other police services. The Federal Investigations Unit has also partnered with integrated Human Trafficking Units in unnamed jurisdictions to follow up with the victim and ensure she has the support she needs. This investigation also shows once again that the police in the Northwest Territories (NWT) will tenaciously investigate people who choose to travel to the NWT to bring harm to the community," says Staff Sergeant Dean Riou of the "G" Division Federal Investigations Unit.