Tenants from two properties in downtown Whitehorse and Riverdale have been evicted from their homes for allegedly trafficking drugs out of their homes.
Neighbours informed the Yukon’s Justice Department of the suspicious activities. The government is not releasing the street names or identities of the people who tipped the investigation unit to prevent retaliation from the traffickers, said Jeff Ford, a director within the department.
The alleged traffickers were evicted approximately two weeks ago. They were “dial-a-dope” cases, in which dealers and customers connect by phone, said Ford. As well, there was evidence that the tenants were not just selling drugs, but distributing them to other dealers, said Ford. No criminal charges have yet been placed.
The tenants were evicted through the Safer Communities and Neighborhood Act, which was enacted by the territorial government in 2006. The law gives government investigators wide-ranging powers to shut down properties suspected of housing illegal activities, like drug trafficking, bootlegging and prostitution.
Since SCAN’s establishment, approximately 500 complaints were filed. Last year alone, around 50 new complaints were received and 23 warnings or evictions took place as a result of investigations, according to the government’s press release.
Ford reminds residents that any suspicious activities may be reported to the unit.
“If people have concerns about illegal activity in their neighbourhoods, of drug trafficking or bootlegging, they can complain to our office,” he said.
Complaints may be filed online through www.SCANYukon.ca, by phone at 456-SCAN (7226) or toll-free at 1-866-530-7226.