Iqaluit RCMP seize loaded prohibited gun, cocaine and cash

Community Safety Alert for Iqaluit, Nunavut

On the night of May 16, 2026, officers from the Iqaluit RCMP conducted a traffic stop on Ataani Lane at approximately 10:50 p.m. During this stop, police arrested the driver and a passenger and seized a loaded prohibited handgun, cocaine and cash from the vehicle.

The vehicle stop, linked to file number 2026-658723, led to significant firearms and drug-related charges against a 35-year-old man and a 16-year-old youth. This incident highlights serious public safety concerns related to illegal firearms and drug trafficking within Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Official Incident Details

According to the RCMP, officers developed reasonable grounds during the traffic stop to arrest both occupants of the vehicle for possession of property believed to have been obtained by crime. A subsequent search of the vehicle led to the discovery of:

• A loaded prohibited handgun
• Cocaine
• Canadian currency (cash)

The accused individuals are identified as follows:

• Abdullah Ahman, age 35
• A 16-year-old youth (non-Nunavut resident; name withheld under youth protection provisions)

Charges – 35-year-old accused (Abdullah Ahman)

Abdullah Ahman (35) has been charged with the following Criminal Code offences:

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm in a motor vehicle – Criminal Code s.94(1)
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm – Criminal Code s.91(1)
• Careless transportation of a loaded prohibited firearm – Criminal Code s.86(2)
• Carrying a concealed weapon – Criminal Code s.90(1)
• Possession of weapon obtained by commission of offence – Criminal Code s.96(1)
• Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition – Criminal Code s.95(1)
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose – Criminal Code s.88(1)

He has been remanded into custody. His next scheduled court appearance is on May 26, 2026, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Charges – 16-year-old youth (non-Nunavut resident)

The 16-year-old youth faces a broader set of firearms and drug-related charges, including:

• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm in a motor vehicle – Criminal Code s.94(1)
• Unauthorized possession of a prohibited firearm – Criminal Code s.91(1)
• Careless transportation of a loaded prohibited firearm – Criminal Code s.86(2)
• Carrying a concealed weapon – Criminal Code s.90(1)
• Possession of weapon obtained by commission of offence – Criminal Code s.96(1)
• Possession of a restricted firearm with ammunition – Criminal Code s.95(1)
• Possession of weapon for dangerous purpose – Criminal Code s.88(1)
• Possession of property obtained by crime – Criminal Code s.354(1)(a)
• Possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking – Controlled Drugs and Substances Act s.5(2)

The youth was released from custody. His next court date is set for June 26, 2026, in Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Evidence Image

The RCMP released the following image showing the seized items:

Image: Iqaluit RCMP display a loaded handgun, cocaine and cash seized during the May 16, 2026 traffic stop.

Public information and how to report concerns

The RCMP are not currently seeking specific suspects or witnesses related to this update. However, they are asking the public to share any details they may have about illegal drug activity or weapons trafficking in the community.

If you have information about suspected drug dealing, illegal firearms, or related crime in Iqaluit or elsewhere in Nunavut:

• Contact the Iqaluit RCMP at 867-975-0123
• To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477)

CrimeCanada.ca Safety Perspective

From the perspective of CrimeCanada.ca, this incident underscores the serious risk that loaded prohibited firearms and drug trafficking pose to community safety in Iqaluit and across Nunavut. A loaded handgun in a vehicle, combined with cocaine and cash, creates a volatile situation that can quickly lead to violence in public spaces, including residential streets like Ataani Lane.

Residents can stay informed about local crime patterns by reviewing up-to-date Iqaluit crime statistics and safety data, and by promptly reporting suspicious activity involving weapons, large cash exchanges, or frequent short visits to a residence or vehicle. While RCMP continue enforcement efforts, community vigilance is essential: avoid confronting suspected offenders directly, record details (time, location, vehicle descriptions), and share them with police or Crime Stoppers. Collective reporting and awareness are key tools in reducing gun-related and drug-related harm in Nunavut communities.

Official Source & Community Safety

This safety alert is based on an official release from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). CrimeCanada.ca aggregates and analyzes this data to keep the nunavut community informed, aware, and safe. We are an independent safety data aggregator and not the original creators of the underlying incident report.

Read the full official release here: RCMP Official Statement.