SEVERAL PEOPLE in the Nass were arrested on drug and alcohol charges last month.
On March 11, Lisims/Nass Valley RCMP charged a New Aiyansh male and well known “bootlegger” for supplying liquor to a minor contrary to section 33(1)(a) Liquor Control and Licensing Act (LCLA), said police today, April 4.
Under the new provisions of the LCLA, this male was fined $575 by way of a violation ticket and can dispute the fine as one would with a traffic ticket, said police.
“We hope to further utilize the new provincial ticket system of laying charges under the LCLA with the immediacy of the fines to deter offenders who continue to supply liquor to our youth in the village,” said Sgt. Donovan Tait, detachment commander Lisims/Nass Valley RCMP.
“We are enjoying excellent cooperation from citizens who are assisting us in reporting suspicious persons and activity in a timely fashion.”
“We recognize that this takes courage given the intimate nature of our communities.”
On March 20, Lisims/Nass Valley RCMP intercepted a suspicious vehicle en route to Laxgalts’ap from Terrace on Hwy 113.
A search of the vehicle resulted in officers seizing marijuana, cocaine, 14 bottles of liquor and a case of beer, which police believe were being transported for re-sale in the village of Laxgalts’ap, said police.
The occupants of the vehicle were arrested and later released with court appearances in July.
Police will be seeking charges under the Liquor Act and the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act.
“Slowing the flow of alcohol and drugs into the Nisga’a villages remains a top priority for our detachment and offenders will be held accountable,” said Tait.
“If you are engaging in these activities, you are likely on our radar and will eventually be caught.”
