Justice Robert Kilpatrick said the legislative assembly has signalled the court to deal with this offence firmly. He said bootlegging is essentially taking advantage of someone's addiction.

"These are sales born usually out of desperation. The markup on bootleg alcohol is a significant one. An alcoholic who needs a drink will go to any length to get it. It destroys lives. It destroys families," said Kilpatrick.

He said without adequate treatment facilities and resources, bootlegging is tearing apart Nunavut communities.

In deciding on a sentence, Kilpatrick said, he took several things into consideration.

One was the fact Martinez showed few signs of remorse; the other the fact that he lost his job shortly after being charged.

Martinez received 21 days in custody to be served on Tuesdays and Wednesdays until completed. He also got 12 months of probation during which he is not to operate a cab or bus.

He is also required to inform RCMP whenever he plans on leaving the capital and when he receives a package in the mail.

Kilpatrick also issued an order declaring Martinez's residence a public place. As a result, Martinez will have to get a liquor licence before any alcohol can be consumed legally in his home.

The Crown asked for a fine as well, but Kilpatrick said it was not possible.

"Last time I checked, one cannot impose a fine, jail and probation at the same time," he explained.