Pelly Bay (Jan 10/05) - Tips from the community helped police charge three people with illegally selling liquor last week in Kugaaruk, where alcohol is prohibited.

RCMP Const. Jamie Savikataaq says community support helped police charge three Kugaaruk men with bootlegging. - photo courtesy of Jamie Savikataaq

Agatha Niptayuk, 36, Abraham Nirlungayuk, 23, Marilyn Qayaqsaaq, 30, were each charged with one count of unlawful sale of liquor. The charges are not related. Police did not seize any alcohol in the arrests, but suspect liquor was being sold.

"We had community support on this," said Const. Jamie Savikataaq. "They make our jobs easier for us. They want to keep it dry."

Under the Liquor Act, a charge of unlawful sale of liquor has a maximum penalty of $5,000 for first offence. For a second offence of same crime there is an automatic $5,000 fine and up to $10,000 fine.

In Kugaaruk a pint or mickey can cost $100. A 60-oz. bottle sells for $500.

Bootlegging has caused crime waves in Kugaaruk, forcing police and hamlet to start doing more checks at the airport.

Jesse Apsaktaun,, a Grade 11/12 student and youth council member, thinks it was a good decision when police with hamlet support stepped up patrols at the Kugaaruk airport to catch illegal booze.

"It's good we're dry," said Apsaktaun. "It's good the community gave them tips."