URGENT UPDATE: Kimberley police are intensifying their crackdown on sly grogging following significant liquor law reforms passed in December 2025. Enhanced technology and intelligence are enabling law enforcement to intercept illegal liquor sales before they reach communities, marking a pivotal shift in their strategy.
The Kimberley district’s Superintendent John Hutchison confirmed that while sly grogging remains a persistent issue, new detection methods are yielding results. “There’s a consistent flow of unlawful supply of alcohol coming into the Kimberley because people can get such good prices for it,” Hutchison stated. “If they can manage to get it through, they can make pretty good profits out of it.”
With the implementation of advanced intelligence-gathering capabilities, police are now better equipped to combat alcohol-related crimes. Hutchison noted a marked increase in seizures, attributing this success to the enhanced focus of officers on detecting illegal alcohol and drug activities. “Our guys and girls are out there trying to detect alcohol and drugs more than what they have been before,” he added.
One high-profile case underscoring this crackdown involves Cyril Mark Yeeda, 44, who faces allegations of selling alcohol purchased in Darwin to residents in Halls Creek for substantial profits. Police claim Yeeda acquired over 450 cartons of beer and other alcoholic beverages worth $45,000, which he allegedly sold for more than $170,000 between October 2024 and July 2025.
The recent reforms have increased penalties for sly grogging, with fines now reaching $50,000 for unlicensed sales and $40,000 for carrying excessive quantities of liquor. These measures aim to deter illegal activities that endanger community safety.
Community leaders have raised concerns that the newly established Banned Drinkers Register (BDR) could inadvertently boost sly grogging instances. However, Kimberley MLA Divina D’Anna supports the reforms, asserting that the BDR is crucial for minimizing alcohol-related harm. “The banned drinkers register is a key measure helping to reduce alcohol-fuelled crime and improve safety for everyone,” she said.
A review commissioned by the WA Government revealed persistent challenges in enforcing the BDR, particularly concerning secondary supply of takeaway alcohol. Many individuals are reportedly circumventing restrictions by having friends or family make purchases on their behalf, undermining the efforts to combat the black market.
As of now, 397 individuals are listed on the BDR, reflecting the ongoing struggle against illegal liquor sales in the region. In a recent operation, police seized a substantial haul of alcohol and drugs, including over 2.5 kg of cannabis, during a traffic stop on the Great Northern Highway in Broome. Officers believe these items were destined for illegal sale in local communities.
Hutchison acknowledged the impact of police efforts on community safety, particularly in remote areas that are far from licensed liquor outlets. “Most of the sly groggers are individuals. However, there are some larger-scale organized networks that we know about and that we’re trying to apprehend,” he said.
This ongoing battle against sly grogging underscores a pressing community issue and a law enforcement strategy that is evolving in response to emerging challenges. As authorities ramp up their efforts, the Kimberley region watches closely, hoping for a decrease in alcohol-related harm and crime.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
