KIMBERLEY POLICE CRACKDOWN ON SLY GROGGING
Alcohol seized on 4 February. Credit: Supplied, WA Police.
Police have seized thousands of dollars worth of alcohol they say was intended to be smuggled into dry communities in the Kimberley.
The following seizures were made last month:
4 February: Two people were charged after 16 casks of wine and several cans and bottles of spirits and beer were seized on the Great Northern Highway at Fitzroy Crossing, where full-strength takeaway liquor is banned.
9 February: Seven casks of wine and several bottles of wine and spirits seized from a liquor restricted premises in Broome. Police claim the alcohol was headed for the liquor-restricted town of Halls Creek. A police investigation is ongoing.
9 February: One person was charged after 26 casks of wine and two bottles of spirits were seized on the Great Northern Highway near Fitzroy Crossing.
29 February: One person was charged after two blocks of beer and five bottles of spirits seized on the Great Northern Highway near Fitzroy Crossing.
Prices are significantly higher for alcohol sold on the blackmarket in dry communities.
Kimberley Superintendent Steve Thompson warned sly groggers they would be prosecuted.
““It is disappointing that some people in the community see alcohol restrictions as an opportunity to profit from the alcohol-related harm they contribute to, but those people are committing crimes and they can expect the full force of the law to come down on them as our police operation continues,” he said.
Alcohol seized on 4 February. Credit: Supplied, WA Police