A Fort Providence man was sentenced to 30 months, minus time served, and barred from owning a firearm for a decade after pleading guilty to possession of crack cocaine in Deline.

In territorial court on May 16, John Minoza, 37, of Fort Providence, pleaded guilty to one count of possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. He was also ordered to submit a DNA sample to the National DNA data bank.

Court heard that Minoza was found in Deline on March 26, 2024, in breach of a court order to remain in Yellowknife following a police investigation into two other individuals who were attempting to bring an "excess quantity of alcohol" into the community. Police intercepted the alcohol as it came off the flight and learned Minoza was in the community. When police located him, they also found 113 grams of crack cocaine, and 13 grams of a substance suspected to be Gabapentin — a prescription drug used to treat conditions like epilepsy, seizures and nerve pain.

Deline RCMP said they were pleased with the outcome of the trial.

"This conviction is another example of the efforts made by the Deline RCMP to put an end to drug trafficking in the community," said NT RCMP media relations officer Julie Plourde. "The Northwest Territories RCMP is committed to target enforcement responses to reduce illegal drugs and alcohol in our communities.

"Anyone who has information about drug trafficking or bootlegging is asked to contact the Deline RCMP at 867-589-1111 or Crime Stoppers at http://www.p3tips.com. In the event of an emergency call, 911."