Bootleggers lose snowmobiles

Alaska State Troopers seized two snowmobiles used by three women who brought more than a dozen bottles of whisky into the dry Northwest Borough village of Kiana.

Alaskan state law allows for the seizure of vehicles used to transport illegal drugs and alcohol. In 2003, troopers have seized a plane, boat and other snowmobiles used in bootlegging.

When accused bootleggers are in court, the judge decides who gets to keep the snowmobiles — the state or the owner.

In cases where a snowmobile goes to the state, troopers assign them to a village safety officer or trooper.