Residents anxious about drug-related crime in N.W.T.'s South Slave region

Residents in the N.W.T.'s South Slave region are on edge after some recent incidents that police have linked to the illegal drug trade — and RCMP say their big challenge is getting people to speak out if they know something. 

"I feel nervous...you know, makes you feel, geez, what's happening to my little town?" said Dana Fergusson, mayor of Fort Smith, N.W.T.

On Friday, RCMP reported a house fire and possible gunshots in that community. Fergusson says RCMP told her it was a targeted incident related to the drug trade.

She urges residents to report what they know.

"Quit hiding these people in our communities. Articulate or let the police know, report, become a confidential informant," Fergusson said.

Since August, Fort Smith, Fort Resolution, and Hay River have seen shootings, arson attempts, and house and vehicle fires. RCMP have said most of those incidents are linked to the drug trade.

James Lai, acting inspector for South District RCMP in the N.W.T., says police are investigating each case separately. He would not confirm any links between them.

"But we are looking at all facets of investigation," Lai said.

Lai says Fort Resolution residents are especially concerned after an arson attempt and gunfire last week. He met with community members and leaders to hear their concerns.

"Emotions are running high in the community," Lai said.

He urges residents to share information through RCMP detachments, Crime Stoppers tip lines, or other discreet channels.

"That information flow...to move things forward, that would be, I'd say, the biggest challenge that we're facing," Lai said.

CBC News tried reaching out to Deninu Kųę́ First Nation Chief Louis Balsillie in Fort Resolution multiple times but he was unavailable for an interview.

"Elders are living in fear. Not only elders, all the people in the community," said Arthur Beck, president of the Fort Resolution Métis Council.