IQALUIT - Alcohol-related offences in the city of Iqaluit were up 360 per cent last year compared to 2008.

There were 2,649 liquor offences in the city last year, according to the 2009 annual police report presented to city council Feb. 23, compared to 576 liquor offences during the same time period in 2008.

Any calls the RCMP receives due to alcohol consumption, whether individuals were drinking at their residences or the bar, are considered liquor-related offences, said Sgt. Manon Painchaud with the Iqaluit RCMP.

She added the RCMP feels there has been a "dramatic increase" in liquor offences and it is trying to put a dent in it.

"Liquor is a big issue here in Iqaluit and we are doing the best we can with the resources we have," said Painchaud.

Councillor Mary Ekho Wilman said the statistics are alarming.

The report does not cite specific reasons for the increase in liquor-related offences, but Painchaud said there are many contributing factors. She said the RCMP is aware alcohol is coming into the community from the south.

While there are regulations in place to control liquor purchases, individuals can still find ways of getting alcohol into the city through bootlegging, said councillor Jimmy Kilabuk.

Councillor Simon Nattaq said the RCMP and the council have to work together for the betterment of the residents.

"As a member of the government of this community we have to stand up and help the RCMP. It is up to us as and we have to be the people residents can depend on," he said.

He suggested forming an alcohol education committee like those existing in other hamlets.

Painchaud said the RCMP would be open to participating on a committee.

She said in March members of the Iqaluit detachment will be running the Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education program at Aqsarniit Middle School.

"It is with these types of preventative measures that in the future we can assist the youth in making better decisions," she said.