Whitehorse RCMP executed the final steps of a three-month-long undercover operation Thursday, arresting four men and seizing about $215,000 worth of drugs.

"This has netted people at the top-level,” RCMP spokesman Sgt. Don Rogers told the Star this morning.

"These aren't small-time dealers; these are guys at the top of the chain.”

A police informant was critical to the bust, Rogers added.

Police officers searched three homes, two in Whitehorse and one in Surrey, B.C.

They found approximately 1 1/5 kilograms of cocaine, 1,300 tablets of Ecstasy and more than $15,000 in cash, according to Rogers.

Officers arrested John "Yada” Vanderheide, 37, of Surrey; Liam Leslie, 33, of Whitehorse; Jesse "Dillon” Ritchie, 33, of Whitehorse; and Shaun "Duke” Naidu, 28, also of Whitehorse. All the men were arrested in the Yukon.

A warrant has been issued for Ryan "Bobby” Derkson of Whitehorse.

The men face various charges including trafficking and conspiracy to traffic cocaine, Ecstasy and anabolic steroids; and possession of stolen property.

The conspiracy charge is notable in the territory, Rogers said, as it is generally laid against people at the very top of the trafficking chain.

"It's pretty much unprecedented to nail guys for conspiracy here in the Yukon,” he said.

All of the men are known to police, Rogers said, including the Surrey man.

Rogers said additional charges related to stolen property and membership in a criminal organization will likely be laid as the RCMP continue their investigation.

"This isn't a fly-by-night operation,” the sergeant said. "This a very organized and complicated group.”

Police have not yet determined where the drugs originated from, he said, but the investigation continues.

Rogers said police expect they will recover more stolen property in the coming days.

The four men were scheduled to appear in court today.

"We are making it even more uncomfortable for people bringing drugs into the Yukon,” Rogers said.

"They're not welcome here, and we're going to make them feel it.”