Iqaluit law enforcers team up to battle a rowdy Saturday night

It was a busy day for law enforcers on the streets of Iqaluit Saturday evening, May 5.

Police, bylaw officers, the liquor inspector and Iqaluit fire department officials came out in force to patrol bars for Liquor Act infractions and drug-dealing, and to patrol roadways for drunk drivers.

Police laid charges against several drunk drivers at check stops-and busted six suspected drug dealers outside bars, laying nine drug-related charges, a May 8 RCMP press release said.

Warnings were given to bar managers who didn’t display liquor licenses and had unmanned doors. Iqaluit’s fire chief also appeared to lecture bar managers on the safety of patrons inside their establishments.

This four-pronged approach is a new strategy, and Sgt. Kevin Lewis said the public should get used to it.

“It was a combined enhanced enforcement initiative. We would like to do more of these smaller, last minute things,” Lewis told Nunatsiaq News. “We’re out there, and you never know when to expect us.”

With all their abilities on the streets, the four departments can achieve a common goal of keeping people safe in Iqaluit, and free of trouble, Lewis said.