RCMP in Nunavut have seized 25.7 pounds (11.6 kilograms) of cannabis, $15,600 and an ATV after executing a search warrant in Rankin Inlet.

The hamlet is home to about 3,000 people.

In a press release, the RCMP noted that two individuals have been arrested and charged in relation to the search.

Larissa Misheralak has been charged with possession of cannabis for the purpose of selling; unlawfully import cannabis into Nunavut, and possession of property obtained by crime over $5000.

Dustin MacLean faces the same charges as well as failing to comply with an undertaking.

Last May, the territorial government announced that cannabis retail stores would finally be coming to the territory.

Since cannabis was legalized, consumers in Nunavut have been ordering cannabis online or over the phone and paying a premium for those products.

As part of Nunavut’s retail process, community consultation is required before any retail licenses are granted.

“Right now, Nunavut is reliant on the black market to supply cannabis sales in the territory,” Iqaluit-Manirajak MLA Adam Lightstone told Nunavut News in 2019. “With the amount of cannabis consumption in the territory and the fact that all that money is being funnelled out, siphoned out by the black market, I find that unacceptable.”

That same year, following sluggish sales, the Nunavut government reduced its markup on dried cannabis flower from $4 per gram to $1 per gram.

Currently, the government of Nunavut includes only one retailer, Nuna Cannabis Store, on its list of licenced cannabis retailers.