Iqaluit (Apr 26/04) - Iqaluit RCMP are are cracking down on bootlegging in the capital.

"Liquor is a big problem in the community," said Const. Mark Tindall. "We've sent a message to the public that this is unacceptable."

Const. Mark Tindall holds up two cases of beer that were confiscated during a raid at an Iqaluit residence. - Neils Christensen/NNSL photo

On April 17, the RCMP seized beer and spirits from a house in Iqaluit that police believe was being operated as an illegal drinking establishment.

The search warrant was executed on house 2017-A. Stephen Mulcahy was charged with bootlegging.

If found guilty, Mulcahy could receive a minimum fine of $5,000 or a maximum fine of $10,000. He will appear in court in June.

Tindall said the raid came after information from the public.

The police confiscated about 25 cases of beer, some bottles of hard liquor and $435 in cash. Tindall said there was some evidence of drug use in the house, but not enough to lay any charges.

Police suspect the bootlegging operation has been ongoing since October. Tindall said the house had a capacity of about 30 to 40 people and was open after the regular bars closed and on the weekends.

This is the second time the house, known as the "Booze Can," has been raided. About four years ago the building was raided and the owners were charged with operating an illegal bar. Tindall said the two incidents are unrelated.

"The set-up hasn't changed from when the last occupants were in it," Tindall said. "It sort of naturally let itself for this purpose."