Fort Liard (July 25/03) - A community member helped the RCMP nab a Fort Liard man illegally transporting alcohol across the NWT border on July 17.

The police charged the man with importation of liquor after discovering two cases of whisky and a flat of beer in his vehicle, Cpl. Craig Seafoot said.

On a tip from a concerned resident, the police were waiting for the suspect at the bottom of the hill leading into Fort Liard as he returned from Fort Nelson, B.C. A receipt in the vehicle verified that the alcohol was purchased in B.C., Seafoot noted.

He added that it was the second time in less than a month that a community member came forward with information that led to alcohol-related charges. Three weeks ago a man was arrested for bootlegging after a resident complained to the police.

Seafoot said he feels the RCMP are earning residents' trust. "And the community is fed up with the drugs and alcohol," he said. "They want something done." Alcohol is restricted in Fort Liard, a community with no liquor outlet. An individual is permitted to bring a maximum of 1.14 litres of wine or spirits or a 12-pack of beer across the NWT/B.C. border per trip.

The man charged with importing alcohol is due to appear in territorial court on Aug. 13.