RCMP nab booze bound for Baffin communities

Police in Clyde River were alerted by a tip from the public that a passenger returning to the community was expected to bring back alcohol. (PHOTO/RCMP)

When police opened the backpack shown in the photo above, they found bottles of vodka, neatly packed for shipment. (PHOTO/ RCMP)

As members of the public start to provide police with more tips about illegal shipments of alcohol into their communities, RCMP continue to seize alcohol brought into Nunavut communities where the possession of alcohol is prohibited or restricted.

On Aug. 9, members of the Clyde River RCMP detachment looked into information about alcohol being brought into the community illegally, said an Aug. 9 RCMP news release.

The investigation lead to the seizure of eight 40-ounce bottles of vodka from a passenger at the Clyde River airport.

The vodka was stuffed neatly into a backpack.

Geela Tigullaraq, 36, was arrested and charged with unlawful possession of liquor. She’s scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 23.

On Aug. 3, members of the Qikiqtarjuaq RCMP seized five 60-ounce bottles of vodka at the airport there.

A 34-year old resident of Qikiqtarjuaq, returning to his community from Iqaluit, received a $575 fine rather than a criminal charge.

That’s because Qikiqtarjuaq is an alcohol restricted community where it is illegal to possess or bring alcohol into the community without a valid permit. Any infraction of the community’s bylaw carries a fine.

The estimated value of the seized vodka was $3,000 in Qikiqtarjuaq, police said.

If anyone has any information relating to this offence or any other criminal activity they are asked to contact their local RCMP Detachment or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Five 60-ounce bottles of vodka can do a lot of damage in Qikiqtarjuaq, where a single bottle similar to these show here, which were seized Aug. 3 by police, sell for $600 each. (PHOTO/RCMP)