150 bottles of alcohol seized in Yukon Delta region bootlegging arrests [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Six have been arrested for their roles in importing illegal alcohol to dry or “damp” villages in the Yukon Delta region of Alaska, according to the Department of Public Safety.

According to Lieutenant Nick Zito with Alaska State Troopers, Village Public Safety officers based in Emmonak and community members recently voiced concern regarding alcohol and crime in the area, prompting an investigation into substance imports and use in the Emmonak and the surrounding area.

“…alcohol oftentimes brings tragedy to these smaller communities, or is at least a factor in some…” Zito said. (1:40)“Troopers obviously knew of some issues there, and so they worked together to come up with a collaborative kind of solution to try to stymy some of the flow of alcohol into the community.”

Zito explained the rules surrounding alcohol possession and sales in some portions of Western Alaska are typically based on a …