Pelly Bay (July 26/04) - Police in Kugaaruk are taking a hard stance against alcohol after a member of the community had their door kicked down twice by an intoxicated person.

Then two men were arrested after fighting outside the hamlet office.

On May 29 the first door-kicking incident occurred.

"To break down someone's door just because they didn't answer right away is just out of control," said Cpl. Ron Smith of the Kugaaruk detachment, who has seen alcohol abuse escalate in the community over the last few months.

One person was arrested and charged with mischief following that incident.

Again, on June 25, that same person's door was kicked down. This time, the door frame was completely destroyed and the accused, different than the first, was arrested and charged with being unlawfully in a dwelling.

Kugaaruk is a dry community, meaning it is illegal to possess, purchase, sell or transport liquor there.

Somehow the booze is getting in, often in baggage on airline flights where the security checks for carry-on baggage is minimal and sporadic, police say.

Now the police have put a "zero tolerance" in place for alcohol.

The fine for a first offense of possession, purchase or consumption of liquor is now $230, and up to $500 for repeat offenders.

If you are caught selling liquor, you could now be fined up to $10,000, plus get two years in jail. The going price for a pint of liquor in Kugaaruk these days is $100, and $500 for a 40oz. bottle.

In the last three weeks, the Kugaaruk RCMP have charged 13 people with illegal consumption of alcohol.

Resident John Ningark, 60, said he supports the RCMP's new "zero tolerance" policy on alcohol in the community. He is aware there is a problem with booze in the community, and thinks the RCMP are doing a good job trying to enforce the new rules.

"They only have two members and it is good what they are doing here," Ningark said. "I know the elders are supporting them and there are many young people here who don't drink."

Ningark doesn't know how the liquor is getting in, but he knows it is around.

"It is getting in somehow, but this is a dry community, OK?" Ningark said. "We voted for this. People wanted it. We have to respect that."