Crack cocaine problem in Behchokǫ̀ has 'grown exponentially,' residents say

A longtime Behchokǫ̀ resident is speaking out about what he calls the "exponential growth" of crack cocaine use in his community, and he's not alone.

Several people made similar statements to CBC News this week and the government's statistics seem to confirm a trend in that direction. 

"I've had enough," said Behchokǫ̀ resident Curtis Grosco earlier this week, on the increasing issue of crack cocaine in the community. 

Grosco says many residents enable the problem, by not reporting people in the community who are selling the drug. 

"Everyone knows who's selling crack and nobody will step up and do the right thing, meaning, give the police some direct evidence," he said. 

Behchokǫ̀ is located about 100 kilometres from Yellowknife and has an estimated population of 2,100 — making it the largest Indigenous community in the Northwest Territories. It's also one of four communities that comprise the Tłı̨chǫ region. 

Monfwi MLA Jane Weyallon-Armstrong, who represents the Tłı̨chǫ communities, spoke about the region's high rates of substance abuse in the Legislative Assembly in February. "People are drinking and doing drugs at an alarming rate," she said. 

"We even have crack cocaine in our communities. At one time, this was unheard of."

In a recent phone interview, Behchokǫ Chief Clifford Daniels, said he too is concerned about the amount of crack cocaine and other hard drugs in the community. 

"These harder drugs are causing more chaos," said Daniels. 

To the best of his knowledge, there's a range of residents involved in drug trafficking. "I have heard that [people who] might have good jobs are doing certain things on the side," said Daniels.

"It's really sad to hear some of these stories." 

Daniels said he's heard stories of young people, including children, delivering crack cocaine and other hard drugs on bikes, and says that's because children are less likely to face harsh penalties under the law. 

But, he said, figuring out who exactly is responsible isn't easy.