A downtown Whitehorse woman has been charged after police siezed several grams of cocaine last Thursday, the RCMP reported today.

Doreen Ouellet, 30, was arrested after 7 1/2 grams of cocaine were found in a residence on Wheeler Street.

Last Thursday, 10 Whitehorse RCMP officers entered her home, arresting seven individuals inside, police said today.

Ouellet was the only person charged with possession of illegal drugs for the purpose of trafficking.

The other people were later released from custody without charges, police said.

Ouellet was released on bail and will make her next court appearance on May 11.

'Surprisingly, customers looking to purchase illicit drugs continued to arrive on the premises despite a visible police presence (at the residence),' police said in a statement.

Sgt. Guy Rook said in an interview the 10 officers were needed so a perimeter could be secured.

'The house had several exits and a yard,' said Rook. A perimeter would prevent anyone inside the house from escaping.

Police intelligence also suggested that there could be more than one person inside.

Officer and public safety was a concern, said Rook. However, the Emergency Response Team, which is the RCMP's equivalent to a SWAT (special weapons and tactics) team, was not used in the arrests.

Rook said the woman's arrest was made possible from information provided by concerned downtown residents.

'Small pieces of information over time help us do our job,' said Rook, adding that anyone suspecting illegal activity should contact the RCMP or Crime Stoppers.

Rook said Ouellet's arrest is an important one.

'It demonstrates that people can claim ownership of their neighbourhoods,' said Rook.