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Alcohol found in alleged bootlegging operation

After a month-long investigation into an alleged bootlegging operation, the Williams Lake RCMP executed a search warrant Feb. 18 on a residence in the city.

After a month-long investigation into an alleged bootlegging operation, the Williams Lake RCMP executed a search warrant Feb. 18 on a residence in the city.The RCMP believe alcohol was being unlawfully distributed. When they searched the residence they located a small stock of liquor and beer, which they allege was being sold at marked-up prices.“As a community we should be aware that this type of activity still takes place. The illegal distribution of liquor often caters to those people who would not otherwise have access to alcohol because they are either too drunk to be served at a licenced premise or they are not old enough to legally purchase alcohol,” said the RCMP in a release.No charges have been laid in this incident; however, charges are being considered against an adult female.***The Williams Lake RCMP is warning the community to be wary of individuals with unconfirmed identities who come to residences offering goods and services.The RCMP issued this warning in response to a Feb. 20 incident at a local senior-care facility. The RCMP allege that three men entered the care home saying they were there to clean the independent living units. The men, who were not authorized to enter the building, gained access and offered their services to the tenants. One tenant accepted and was charged $80 for a 10-minute cleaning. The men did not give business cards and were driving an unmarked vehicle, possibly a white van, say police.“Our initial investigation has indicated that this may have occurred in other communities and we want the public to be aware of this unique kind of complaint. It would appear at this point that the primary motive for these events is money,” said the RCMP in a press release. The Williams Lake RCMP want to remind residents to be cautious when opening their homes to persons offering goods and services with unconfirmed identities or businesses. They suggest steps individuals can take to safeguard themselves such as checking the business with the Better Business Bureau or researching the business’s reputation in the community.