Iqaluit residents help search for Benjamin Palluq

A group of Iqaluit residents is joiningthe search for Benjamin Palluq.

The 44-year-old man hasnt been seen for more than a week.

Palluq is a familiar presence to anyone who spends time in downtown Iqaluit.

"He's kinda like a household person around, saidhis friend, Clarence Synard. When we heard about this, we were quite disturbed and thought we'd take it upon ourselves to go out and take a look and hope people can join us and help as well."

The group searched Monday morning until dark.

Yesterday afternoon, they scoured the sealift beach area.

Palluq is described as 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with a slender build, short, dark hair and a missing front tooth.

Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to call the Iqaluit RCMP detachment at 979-0123.