Arrest warrant issued for Kitchener, Ont. man after 130 kg of drugs seized

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which investigates serious crimes on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation in the Four Corners region where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado meet, did not provide a motive. However, one person who was drinking with Hight and others in the hours before the shooting told an FBI agent that Hight had said he planned to “shoot up Zackieus Lang’s house”, according to the arrest affidavit.

Hight was taken into custody Tuesday afternoon on a mesa west of Oljato, Utah, on the Navajo Nation reservation by members of the Navajo Police Department’s dog team and the Bureau of Indian Affairs drug enforcement division, Navajo police said. Authorities had been looking for Hight for several days before finding him in a remote area, Navajo police spokesperson Chrissy Largo said.Two people, one from Kitchener and the other from Niagara Falls, are facing charges after more than 11 kilograms of suspected cocaine and 123 kilograms of cannabis were seized from shipping containers.

The investigation, which began back in February, involved multiple agencies including Border Enforcement Security Task Force (BEST), Canada Border Services Agency, Peel Regional Police, Toronto Police Service and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.According to a media release from Ontario Provincial Police, information led the team to a network of people involved in drug trafficking, including the exportation of illegal drugs.

Two search warrants were executed in May. As a result, $630,000 worth of suspected cocaine and illegal cannabis were found concealed within shipping containers at the Port of Montreal.

On June 27, BEST and several other police enforcement groups assisted with seven search warrants in Kitchener, Niagara Falls, Oakville and Brampton.

Damir Dedic, a 53-year-old from Kitchener, and Darko Tambur, a 37-year-old from Niagara Falls, are facing several charges related to trafficking, exporting and importing drugs.

Tambur has been arrested and released.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Dedic.

“Criminal networks continue to exploit our borders, and with partnerships such as the BEST force, we can curb their importation and exportation attempts. We will continue to investigate any person or group involved in criminal activity with a connection to our borders, and beyond,” said OPP Detective Superintendent Lee Fulford, in the release.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information on suspicious cross-border activity are asked to contact the CBSA Border Watch Line at 1-888-502-9060.Title: Investigating the Shooting Incident on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation: A Complex Case of Motive, Law Enforcement, and Tribal Cooperation

In the expansive and often rugged terrain where the Four Corners region of the United States meets, a shocking and violent event has drawn the attention of both law enforcement and the public. The incident occurred on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, a land that is home to the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and is located in the region where New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado converge. The investigation has stirred many questions about the motives behind the crime, the collaboration between multiple law enforcement agencies, and the challenges of investigating such incidents on tribal lands.

The suspect, identified as a man named Hight, is believed to have been involved in a shooting that occurred on the reservation, with initial reports indicating that the act was premeditated. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which has jurisdiction over serious crimes on Native American reservations, was called to investigate the situation. While law enforcement officials have yet to publicly state a clear motive for the attack, an arrest affidavit released in the wake of the incident provides some chilling insight into what may have led up to the crime.

The Crime Scene and the Arrest

The shooting occurred after a night of drinking and socializing among friends and acquaintances. According to reports, Hight was one of several people who had been drinking with others hours before the shooting took place. During this gathering, Hight allegedly made an ominous statement, telling a fellow drinker that he intended to “shoot up Zackieus Lang’s house.” This statement, which was relayed to an FBI agent, raises critical questions about the motive behind the attack.

Despite the lack of a definitive explanation from Hight himself, the chilling nature of his remark suggests a premeditated plan to cause harm. What prompted this animosity towards Zackieus Lang and his household is still unclear, but the statement made by Hight is now central to the investigation.

Hight was eventually tracked down and taken into custody on Tuesday afternoon in a remote part of the Navajo Nation Reservation, which lies just west of Oljato, Utah. The arrest was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Navajo Police Department’s dog team and the Bureau of Indian Affairs drug enforcement division. This collaborative effort highlights the complex nature of law enforcement on tribal lands, where multiple agencies are often called upon to respond to a range of incidents, from drug-related offenses to violent crimes.

Chrissy Largo, a spokesperson for the Navajo Police Department, revealed that authorities had been searching for Hight for several days before locating him in the rugged mesa area. His capture, although difficult due to the location, was crucial in bringing the case one step closer to resolution.

Challenges in Investigating Violent Crimes on Native American Reservations

Investigating violent crimes on Native American reservations presents unique challenges that go beyond the normal complexities of law enforcement. Reservations are governed by a mix of federal, state, and tribal law, and jurisdiction can be a gray area. The FBI is often called upon to handle serious crimes, especially when they involve non-Native individuals or cross-jurisdictional concerns. However, the presence of tribal police, such as the Navajo Police Department, is also critical in maintaining order and ensuring that the local community is protected.

The coordination between various law enforcement bodies in this case is a testament to the complicated and collaborative nature of law enforcement on reservations. The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), which oversees law enforcement on many reservations, works alongside tribal police departments like the Navajo Police, and federal agencies like the FBI, to ensure a coordinated response to criminal incidents. In this case, the combined efforts of these agencies helped locate Hight in a remote area of the reservation, preventing any further violence or harm.

However, the very nature of tribal jurisdiction complicates the investigative process. For example, when a crime is committed on tribal land, it may involve legal considerations that differ from those on non-tribal land. This is especially true when the crime involves both Native and non-Native individuals. In this case, while Hight is not explicitly mentioned as being Native American, the dynamics of law enforcement on tribal land must still account for the unique legal framework within which the investigation takes place.

Additionally, there is the added factor of cultural sensitivity and the importance of respecting tribal sovereignty. Law enforcement officers working in these areas must be trained to navigate the cultural and social complexities of Native American communities. This includes understanding the nuances of tribal governance, the historical relationship between Native American communities and the U.S. government, and the role that local customs play in shaping the way crime is viewed and handled.

The Broader Context: Violence and Crime on Native American Reservations

Violence and crime are unfortunate realities on many Native American reservations. These areas often face significant challenges related to poverty, limited access to education and healthcare, and a lack of resources for law enforcement and community services. As a result, crime rates on some reservations can be higher than in surrounding non-Native communities.

The Ute Mountain Ute Reservation, like many others, has worked hard to address these issues, but the challenges are persistent. The presence of drug trafficking, gang activity, and domestic violence are just a few of the issues that continue to plague Native American communities. Tribal law enforcement agencies, while crucial in maintaining order, often lack the resources necessary to fully combat these problems.

Moreover, many Native American reservations are located in isolated, rural areas, making it difficult for law enforcement to respond quickly to emergencies or conduct thorough investigations. This isolation often results in slower response times and fewer resources available to local police departments, leading to longer and more difficult investigations.

In recent years, there has been a growing push for greater federal support for law enforcement agencies working on reservations, especially when it comes to addressing violent crime. Advocates argue that by increasing funding for tribal police forces and ensuring better coordination with federal agencies, the justice system can become more effective in tackling the issues facing Native American communities.

The Road Ahead: What Comes Next in the Investigation?

With Hight now in custody, the investigation into the shooting on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation is far from over. Law enforcement officials will likely continue to question witnesses, gather evidence, and examine the circumstances that led up to the violence. In particular, they will likely focus on understanding Hight’s motives and whether the statement he made about targeting Zackieus Lang’s house was a warning or a threat that was ultimately carried out.

For now, the community remains on edge as authorities continue their work. The arrest of Hight represents a step toward justice for the victims involved, but there are still many unanswered questions. As the investigation progresses, the role of law enforcement agencies, both tribal and federal, will remain critical in ensuring that justice is served and that the community can begin the healing process.

In the coming weeks and months, this case will likely bring further scrutiny to the complex relationship between law enforcement and Native American communities. It will also shine a light on the ongoing challenges of preventing and addressing violent crime on tribal lands, and the need for continued collaboration and support for law enforcement agencies working to protect these communities.

The shooting incident on the Ute Mountain Ute Reservation has