Yukon RCMP utilized tear gas within a Whitehorse apartment during an operation that led to the arrest of an individual on drug and weapon charges. Nearby residents were left bewildered and experiencing discomfort due to the incident.
According to a recent press release by the RCMP, tear gas was deployed in a short-term rental unit on Range Road as part of an investigation involving a man wanted on a Canada-wide arrest warrant. The suspect was located on Thursday in a rental vehicle while refueling at a gas station in the Riverdale neighborhood.
The individual, who was wanted for various offenses originating from Vancouver, was apprehended without resistance. Subsequently, he was charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of property obtained by crime under $5,000, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose.
Following the arrest, the RCMP obtained a search warrant for the suspect’s residence based on suspicions of additional involvement in illicit drug activities by another individual. Due to the perceived association with organized crime, the RCMP decided against evacuating the building prior to the operation to avoid escalating public risk.
A specialized team, including crisis negotiators and emergency response personnel, used tear gas to gain entry into the apartment. During the operation, one man was arrested and later released without charges. Law enforcement seized items related to drug trafficking and a sum of $2,270 in cash.
Despite the successful operation, tear gas exposure affected other residents in the apartment building, prompting one witness to express intentions of filing a complaint. The RCMP had fire crews and medical personnel on standby to address any potential emergencies arising from the operation’s aftermath.
Efforts were made to decontaminate the building following the incident. The RCMP advised that individuals exposed to chemical munitions may experience temporary effects like a runny nose, which can be mitigated by seeking fresh air and washing with soap, with no long-term harm expected.