Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc says it is working with the RCMP to identify and remove illicit drug dealers on reserve.

In a June 18 statement posted online today, August 2, Kukpi7 Rosanne Casimir and her councillors say they want illicit drug dealers to know they are not welcome on reserve.

“Chief and Council and our entire membership are concerned about the illegal trafficking of drugs and how that is hurting our members and further traumatizing our families,” the statement said.

“We see drug traffickers as individuals who are criminally negligent.”

A Tk’emlúps spokesperson told Radio NL that while the statement was sent to band members as a reminder, there was no specific indecent that prompted it to be made in the first place.

In the statement, Casimir says people caught dealing drugs on the Tk’emlúps reserve will be banished while anyone caught selling drugs out of homes owned by Tk’emlúps will be evicted as per the Housing Policy section and the Housing Rental Agreement.

“Tk’emlúps Chief and Council’s highest priority is to ensure the health and safety of our membership and community,” the statement added. “We continue to be committed to explore every avenue possible to address the opioid crisis in our community.”

Tk’emlúps Chief and Council says it is “exploring every avenue possible to address the opioid crisis” as health and safety is their highest priority.

Band members who may be struggling with addiction should reach out to Rachel Kilback, the TteS Mental Health and Addictions Navigator at 250-320-4327 or Jay Roque, TteS Wellness Coordinator, at 250-571-3512.

People are also being urged to report illegal or suspicious activity to the Tk’emlúps Rural Detachment at 250-314-1800 or to Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or online here.