On October 8th, 2024, officers of the Hay River detachment were on patrol when a vehicle was observed speeding. A traffic stop was conducted with the vehicle. Investigation led officers to believe the vehicle was being used to transport illicit cargo and the occupants were arrested.
A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the seizure of over $9,000 in cash believed to be proceeds of crime relating to the illegal drug trade, as well as several cellphones and drug paraphernalia.
As a result, 20-year-old Salim Abdullahi Abdi of Edmonton and 53-year-old Bruce Dowdeswell of Fort Simpson have been charged with Possession of property obtained by crime, contrary to section 354(1)(a) of the Criminal Code.
Abdullahi Abdi appeared before a Justice of the Peace and was subsequently remanded into custody. Dowdeswell was released on strict conditions to appear in court at a later date.
Investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
Anyone who has information on this matter is asked to contact the Hay River RCMP at 874-1111 or Crime Stoppers at http://www.p3tips.com. In the event of an emergency call, 911.