CRACKDOWN ON BOOZE WELCOME

First Nation leaders are welcoming a crackdown by provincial police
and Nishnawbe-Aski police on illegal alcohol traffic over winter roads
in the region.

Illegal booze coming into the area continues to be a problem, North
Spirit Lake First Nation Chief Jimmy Ray said.

With a police officer rarely stationed in the community, he said,
community residents have set up a 24-hour checkpoint for vehicles
entering the community, and others heading north to Sandy Lake and
Deer Lake First Nations.

"When booze is located in a vehicle, members of the band council head
out to the checkpoint to deal with any disputes," Ray said

"Everything is recorded - people's names, the amount of alcohol - and
then, we destroy (dump) the booze on the spot."

Keewaywin First Nation Chief John McKay called the police blitz "a
good idea."

"Finally, someone has seen the need for police to do some patrolling
of the winter roads," McKay said.

OPP Sgt. Deb Tully-Waffler said the OPP/NAN police initiative is aimed
at raising public awareness about the illegal transportation of
contraband alcohol, drugs and intoxicants over winter roads into
remote communities.

Over the next few weeks, officers will be conducting random checks for
alcohol, drugs and other intoxicants being transported along those
roads, she said, adding the blitz responds to aboriginal leaders'
concerns that contraband is being brought into their
communities.

Many First Nation communities are "dry," having approved band council
resolutions making possession of alcohol and other intoxicants illegal.

Tully-Waffler said police can seize any goods, and vehicles used in
committing the offence of supplying, selling, bartering or
manufacturing intoxicants.

Police will also enforce provisions under the Highway Traffic Act,
compulsory Automobile Insurance Act and the Liquor Licence Act, she
said.

Winter roads are open to the public, maintained by public funds and
used solely as seasonal connecting links to isolated communities.