Andrew Raven
Northern News Services

Fort Simpson (Sep 07/05) - Five Fort Simpson residents were arrested last week and charged with bootlegging - the second major police operation this summer targeting illegal booze imports into the western Dehcho.

Police in Fort Simpson charged five residents with bootlegging last week. Cpl. Al Shepherd said his detachment has been watching some suspects for several years now.

"We have had these people in our sights for years," said RCMP Cpl. Al Shepherd, head of the detachment that covers Fort Simpson and Wrigley.

Four suspects were arrested Tuesday night while the fifth was taken into custody Wednesday. Police seized three small bottles of hard liquor during the arrests. Shepherd said an unspecified number of witnesses had co-operated with investigators during the operation.

All five were released on several conditions, including an order to stay away from the liquor store. They will appear in Fort Simpson Justice of the Peace Court later this month where police will seek a high fine, Shepherd said.

The maximum penalty for a first offence under the territorial Liquor Act is one year behind bars and a $5,000 fine.

"We really to send the message this will not be tolerated," Shepherd said Thursday.

This marks the second time since June police have arrested several people in connection with a bootlegging operation. They charged eight people with illegally importing alcohol into Wrigley, where a single bottle of hairspray can fetch $60 on the black-market, Shepherd said.

Police believe the latest suspects were importing alcohol from the liquor store in Hay River, which, unlike Fort Simpson, does not restrict booze sales.

Shepherd said bootlegging is rampant in Fort Simpson, especially during the early morning hours after the bars have closed.

"Where are you going to find booze at five in the morning? The bootleggers."

The after hours booze sales often lead to fights, vandalism and drunk driving, Shepherd said. "This is a serious problem."