WHITEHORSE, YT – The Yukon RCMP have announced what they’re calling the biggest cocaine seizure to date in the Territory’s history, following the execution of search warrants at two residences in Dawson City on March 6th.
“We believe the seizure of cocaine to be the largest Cocaine Seizure in the Yukon to date.” – Yukon RCMP Chief Superintendent Scott Sheppard
Two men have been arrested and are facing charges related to the investigation, Taylor Duke, and Tyler Taylor. Both men were previously known to police and are both facing a string of charges related to last year’s Project Monterey investigations. Yukon RCMP’s Superintendent Scott Sheppard confirmed this recent investigation stems from details uncovered by the Crime Reduction Unit during last year’s execution of Project Monterey
“Crime Reduction Unit Investigators later learned that Tyler Taylor, Taylor Duke, and a group of associates may have continued to traffic controlled substances, despite their previous arrests and subsequent charges. The crime reduction unit initiated a new investigation as a result of that information.” – Yukon RCMP Chief Superintendent Scott Sheppard
As a result of the police action in Dawson City, ten kilograms of cocaine was seized in brick form, as well as several ounces of crack-cocaine, smaller packaged quantities of powdered cocaine, and several pounds of vacuum sealed cannabis. Four firearms were also seized; one 12-guage pump action shotgun and three handguns, including one that was loaded and another with an illegal suppressor attachment. Ammunition for the firearms was also sized, along with $522,000 in cash, and several cellphones.
Tyler Taylor, 30, of Dawson City was arrested without incident following the execution of the search warrants. At the time of his arrest, Taylor was on strict release conditions as a result of the Project Monterey investigation, including house arrest, and GPS ankle bracelet monitoring. Taylor Duke was arrested within the Whitehorse Correctional Centre on March 7th.
Both men have made their initial court appearances, with their next court appearances set for March 14th. Both men remain in custody.
Taylor Duke faces the following charges:
Two counts of participation in Activities for a Criminal Organization
Two Counts of Conspiracy to Commit the offense of Aggravated Assault
Conspiracy to Commit the office of Trafficking a Controlled Substance (Cocaine and Fentanyl)
Failure to Comply with conditions of a Release Order
Tyler George Taylor faces the following charges:
Two counts of Participation in Activities for a Criminal Organization
Two Counts of Conspiracy to Commit the offense of Aggravated Assault
Trafficking Cocaine for the benefit of/in association with a Criminal Organization
Conspiracy to Commit the office of Trafficking a Controlled Substance (Cocaine and Fentanyl)
Being involved in a Criminal Organization and instructing a person to commit Aggravated Assault
Seven counts of Failure to Comply with conditions of a Release Order
Possession of Proceeds of Property (money) Obtained by Crime over $5000
Possession of Schedule 1 substance (Cocaine) for the Purpose of Trafficking
Three counts of Unauthorized Possession of a Prohibited Weapon
Possession of a Loaded Prohibited Firearm
Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm (non-restricted)
M Division RCMP announce largest cocaine bust in Yukon’s history
