Wollaston Lake RCMP received tips in the past week of individuals bringing alcohol into the area which allowed police to intercept five different attempts at resale of the booze.

In one instance, last Saturday, officers were waiting on shore for the boat to arrive when it abruptly turned around and head for an island nearby returning empty. So the RCMP went out to that island picked 33 bottles of hard liquor as well as evidence as to who was in possession of the alcohol. Two more shipments were intercepted that same day. That night RCMP followed a private boat on Wollaston Lake until it reached shore and seized 12 bottles of hard liquor as well as over 60 bottles and cans of wine, beer and coolers

Last Sunday evening, Wollaston Lake RCMP searched the commercial barge that connects, during the summer, the community on the eastern side of the lake to Highway 905 on the west side. They seized 8 bottles of hard liquor hidden in a package that was intended for delivery.

Two local residents have been charged with selling or offering to sell, display or keep the beverage alcohol – or bootlegging. RCMP say it is the second weekend in a row substantial amounts of alcohol were seized on the lake and they thank the public noting how important it is to get tips from the public.

Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation is a dry community located on each side of the Welcome Bay in Wollaston Lake.