Kimberley police destroy massive ‘sly grogging’ haul in Fitzroy Valley

Hundred of litres of bottled and packaged alcohol worth thousands of dollars has been destroyed by Kimberley police after a number of significant hauls were discovered in the Fitzroy Valley. Some 48 cartons of beer, 6 cartons of premixed drinks and 44 bottles of spirits was discovered by Fitzroy Crossing Police as it was transported through the valley recently. Fitzroy Crossing Police officer-in-charge senior sergeant Larry Miller said posting pictures of alcohol being destroyed on social media was sometimes lighthearted, but there was a strong message behind it. “It’s about protecting the kids in our small communities,” he said. “Everyone is already struggling with COVID and social issues across the region, the last thing we need is someone bringing in such a ridiculous amount of alcohol and trying to profit off their neighbours and family members. “It’s just plain wrong.” It comes after, in September last year, new booze restrictions were put in place to target sly grogging across the region. Police were given the discretion to seize and dispose of illegal alcohol on the spot under the new regulations, which also limited the quantity and types of liquor which could be legally transported in a vehicle. The carriage limits reflect the restrictions on purchasing liquor previously in place in the Kimberley under the Emergency Management Act. The restrictions allow for one carton of beer, cider or pre-mixed spirits; or three bottles of wine; or one litre of spirits or fortified wine; or a combination of two products per adult in the vehicle, per day. The carriage limits apply in Broome, Derby, Fitzroy Crossing, Halls Creek, Kununurra and Wyndham, and within 20km of those towns. The limits will also apply within 5km of dry Aboriginal communities. Anyone found to be in breach of the regulations faces a maximum fine of $10,000. Exemptions apply to tourists, pastoralists, station owners and operators of remote work sites. When the new regulations were put in place, Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna said the amendments would target those who were exploiting vulnerable members of the community by illegally selling liquor to them at inflated prices.