Pelican Narrows RCMP have arrested what they describe as a known bootlegger. At a COVID-19 Security CheckStop, the only entrance into the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation near Pelican Narrows, RCMP were told Community Safety Officers and Peter Ballantyne were planning to stop and search a vehicle.

A search of the truck netted a hefty hall. Almost 20 litres of whiskey and 1.5 litres of vodka were seized in addition to 26 individual 500 ml bottles that contain a mix of water and whiskey.

RCMP say the leadership of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation has determined that the illegal distribution of alcohol is a health risk during the pandemic and in light of the current Public Health Order restricting groups of people to no more than 10.

Community Safety Officers have made reducing illegal alcohol in the community a priority. Two men and one woman all from the Pelican Narrows area have been charged.