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Grog runners are preying on Aboriginal communities by peddling booze during bush gatherings such as funerals and ceremonies, say Northern Territory police.
The practice is common in remote parts of the NT, according to Katherine Police Commander Jeanette Kerr who has described the perpetrators as "social parasites".
Her comments follow the seizure of a large amount of booze ahead a large funeral in the Arnhem Land community of Ramingining.
Police were tipped off last week ahead of the gathering about 500km east of Darwin.
The information prompted them to mount a major offensive, dubbed Operation Haricot, aiming to disrupt the trafficking of alcohol and illicit drugs into the community.
Kerr said five bottles of Jim Beam Bourbon were discovered in luggage on the plane that was transporting the deceased back to the community for burial.
"Following debriefs with people found in possession of alcohol, it was discovered that third parties were purchasing alcohol, then on-selling to other community members for upwards of $400 per 1.125ml bottle of spirits," she said.
"The people who organise the mass purchase and distribution of alcohol and cannabis to take advantage of people coming together for ceremony and to express grief are social parasites ...
"Even more offensive is the drunken behaviour and violence that results from the trafficking of alcohol, effectively diminishing the significance of funeral ceremonies."
Roadblocks were also conducted on the Oenpelli side of Cahill Crossing, on the fringes of Kakadu National Park, as well as the Central Arnhem Highway and at the Blythe River.
Police searched more than a hundred cars and netted about 84 grams of cannabis, 40 cans of VB, 50 litres of spirits, 22 litres of port and 20 litres of cask wine.
Two vehicle were seized, one drug infringement notice was issued, two arrests were made and 11 summons issued.
"There is often a problem with grog-running into these dry communities, but when we are told that people are paying as much as $400 for a 1.125ml bottle of Jim Beam you can see just how big a problem it is," Kerr said.
"People will try almost anything to bring it in and others will pay almost any price to drink it."
But, she said, grog running was not just a matter for police.
"Community members also need to take some responsibility," she said.
"It must be obvious to everyone when an increased amount of grog is coming into the communities.
"In the case of Ramingining it's clear that everyone knew that large amounts of grog were expected."
Kerr called on residents of the communities to talk to their local police or call Crime Stoppers.
"We will continue to target grog runners coming into communities," she said.
Operation Haricot involved police from Katherine and the Northern Regional Command, as well as the Remote Community Drug Desk and the Dog Operations Unit.
