The RCMP have arrested three people and seized cocaine related to two drug trafficking investigations around Whitehorse in recent days.

Following an investigation into drug trafficking in Whitehorse, the Yukon RCMP Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) made two arrests last Friday afternoon.

After making observations near Fourth Avenue and Alexander Street that they said were consistent with drug trafficking, police arrested two Saskatchewan men in downtown Whitehorse.

During the search of the pair and their vehicle, police seized approximately 21 grams of cocaine, packaged for sale, and more than $1,000 in Canadian currency.

Stuart Andrews, 25, of Rosthern, and Dorian Joshua Copeman, 20, of Regina, have been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking; and

• possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000.

The two accused made their first court appearance last Saturday.

They were released on conditions, which included not to be in the Yukon, except for court appearances.

Their next court date is scheduled for July 26 in territorial court in Whitehorse.

Also last Saturday, Whitehorse RCMP detachment general duty officers conducted a traffic stop on an unregistered vehicle.

After an investigation on scene, the driver was found to be in possession of 45 grams of cocaine as well as cash, scales and other drug paraphernalia.

His name cannot be published now, but will become available after an upcoming court appearance.

“Yukon RCMP is continuing to support a healthy and safer Whitehorse with drug trafficking investigations like these,” said Supt. Lindsay Ellis, the criminal operations officer for the Yukon RCMP.

“One of our ongoing goals is to disrupt the criminal activity that puts our communities at risk, and we are proud of the work done on these two files, and daily around the Yukon to keep the territory safe.”

Anyone with information on either of these investigations is encouraged to reach out to Yukon RCMP at 667-5555.