Yellowknife RCMP say a routine patrol near Tommy Forest Ball Park on the morning of July 14 led to the arrest of three men and the seizure of firearms and drugs.
Traffic stop uncovers weapons and suspected drugs
Police stopped a vehicle at about 11:20 a.m.. The three occupants initially provided false identification to officers. When their true identities were determined, officers discovered one of the men was the subject of an outstanding arrest warrant from Saskatchewan, the RCMP said.
All three people were taken into custody without incident. A subsequent search of the vehicle turned up a loaded handgun, a tactical shotgun, ammunition and what RCMP describe as over 50 grams of suspected cocaine, along with items consistent with drug trafficking.
- Seized items: loaded handgun, tactical shotgun, ammunition, suspected cocaine (more than 50 g), drug trafficking supplies
- Location: patrol area around Tommy Forest Ball Park
- Time: approximately 11:20 a.m., July 14
Charges and next steps
The three men — identified by police as 28-year-old Destin Mosquito, 29-year-old Tristan Pritchard, both from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and 47-year-old Adrian Lockhart of Calgary — face multiple firearms- and weapons-related charges.
| Accused | Main charges listed by RCMP |
|---|---|
| Destin Mosquito, 28 | Unauthorized possession of a firearm; unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon; possession of a firearm/ammunition in a motor vehicle; possession of a restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammunition without licence; additional counts related to prohibited weapon possession and failing to surrender authorization |
| Tristan Pritchard, 29 | Unauthorized possession of a firearm; unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon; possession of a firearm/ammunition in a motor vehicle; possession of a restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammunition without licence; multiple counts including possession contrary to order and failure to comply with release conditions |
| Adrian Lockhart, 47 | Unauthorized possession of a firearm; unauthorized possession of a prohibited weapon; possession of a firearm/ammunition in a motor vehicle; possession of a restricted firearm/prohibited weapon with ammunition without licence; one count of possession of weapons contrary to order and failure to surrender authorization |
RCMP said all three remain in custody and are awaiting a bail hearing as the investigation continues. Police did not provide further details about whether any charges related specifically to the suspected cocaine have been laid, only noting the drug trafficking items found in the vehicle.
Local implications
For Yellowknife residents, the seizure highlights ongoing policing activity in neighbourhoods where families and recreation areas are located. Patrols around community facilities like the Tommy Forest Ball Park are a routine part of RCMP efforts to deter crime and respond quickly when suspected offences are discovered.
Investigations into weapons and drug offences can take time as police and Crown counsel review evidence and determine appropriate charges. The presence of an outstanding warrant from another province also illustrates how policing often crosses jurisdictions in cases involving transient vehicles and people.
RCMP asked anyone with information about the incident to come forward through the usual channels. The force did not release body-camera footage or additional operational details at the time of the announcement.
The arrests and seizures will be monitored closely by the community, particularly as the charges move through the territorial court process.
