Illegal alcohol worth thousands of dollars destroyed

Hundreds of litres of bottled and packaged alcohol seized from convicted sly groggers in the Kimberley have been crushed at the Broome tip.

A large earthmoving machine with metal wheels this morning drove over a long line of beer cartons, spirits and wines with a retail value of about $5000.

Police believe the worth would rocket to about $13,220 if it was resold.

The 500 litres of the booze was destined for illegal sale, which can fetch prices of $500 for a litre of rum and up to $200 for a 30 can block of beer in remote areas, such as Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing.

The alcohol resulted from police operations carried out in Broome and Derby that included intelligence based investigations, vehicle intercepts and house searches.

The Kimberley Liquor Enforcement’s Sergeant Matt Hartfield said magistrates had ordered the destruction of the alcohol.

“It was all seized against offences under the Liquor Control Act,” he said.

“With the illegal sale of alcohol prices are significantly increased, resulting in large profits for people and preying on vulnerable people.

“This is causing harm to communities throughout the Kimberley.”

Anyone with information about the illegal sale of alcohol is asked to call their local police or Crime Stoppers 1800 333000.