Sasha Bena, an 18-year-old from Montreal, has been arrested and charged with murder following a homicide in Fort Good Hope.

On Feb. 24, police in the community were called to a residence in response to a sudden death, which was then determined to be a homicide. The case was then handed over to the NWT Major Crime Unit, who identified Bena as a suspect. With help from officers from Quebec, Bena was located and arrested on March 13. 

He is now back in Yellowknife to undergo court proceedings relating to his murder charge. 

The victim was a 29-year-old man, whose identity the police did not reveal publicly.

The homicide is believed to be related to the drug trade, according to a March 17 RCMP news release. 

"This homicide is a difficult reminder of the dangerous and exploitative nature of the illicit drug trade," said Sgt. Jason Hurley, unit commander for the NWT's G Division Major Crimes Unit. "Drug traffickers are coming to our communities to take advantage of people鈥檚 addictions and leave behind nothing but pain and suffering."

鈥淭his arrest should serve as warning to those who would come to the territory to commit violence that the RCMP has a long reach and we are committed to bringing violent criminals to justice,鈥� Hurley added.

The investigation into the Feb. 24 killing is still ongoing, and police believe there may still be individuals who can provide information about the incident. Anyone who has details about the incident or recognizes Bena from Fort Good Hope or nearby Norman Wells is asked to contact their local RCMP detachment.

The RCMP expressed thanks to residents of Fort Good Hope for their cooperation with respect to the investigation so far.