In the late evening of April 7 and into the early morning of April 8, 2017 the Wha'Ti RCMP made several significant liquor seizures on the winter road leading to both Wha'Ti and Gameti. In total 150 - 375mL bottles, 5 - 1.75 L bottles, 1 - 750 mL bottle, 1 - 200 mL bottle and 292 cans of beer were seized. Police suspect this alcohol was for both personal use and resale in the communities. The current going rate for 1 - 375 mL bottle is $80 in Wha'Ti which brings the estimated street value of the seizure well over $10,000.
The Wha'Ti RCMP would like to use this liquor seizure as an opportunity to advise the people of the community that they are compassionate about the issues that lead to substance abuse. The Wha'Ti RCMP continue to be active members with the Wha'Ti inter-agency group that includes the Community Government, Tlicho Government, Social Services, Health Services, Mental Health Services, and the Mezi Community School. The goal of this group is to develop and implement programs with the support of the Criminal Justice System. The programs offered in the community will address the root causes of alcohol and substance abuse.
"The RCMP would like to re-affirm our commitment to investigate those who are selling alcohol illegally to people in the community. These people are at times known to sell to youth and other vulnerable individuals. These seizures will help curtail the problems that come along with the abuse of alcohol such as mischief and violent crime." Cpl. Jordan Forman, Wha'Ti Detachment Commander.
Should anyone have any information in relation to this investigation, please contact the Wha'Ti RCMP at 867-573-1111. Information can also be given anonymously through Crimestoppers by calling 1-800-222-TIPS(8477), online at nwtnutips.com or via texting NWTNUTIPS plus your message to 274637.