By: Editor | The Navajo Post- Commentary | May 11.

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Okay, we all know there are bootleggers on the Navajo Nation, with the reservation being so rural and isolated- creative minds, think of creative ideas to make some quick cash, even if it is illegal.

On May 10, the FBI (that does not stand for fry bread inspector) and the U.S Attorney office announced, after a six month long investigation on the Navajo Nation lead to the arrest of 10 people for ‘boot-legging’, reported the Phoenix New Times.

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The FBI said, the group sold malt liquor and ‘natty ice’, which happens to be cheap beer, for $20.00, Selling booze on the ‘Rez’ is illegal and can land someone in prison for doing so, along with some stiff penalties, landing around $100,000.

Back to the 10 people that were arrested, according to court documents they were all members of the Navajo Nation. One was even 19 years old, they also were given plea deals and a year probation.

The court documents also revealed, some initial purchases were made by a under-cover Navajo Cop in Chinle, AZ. I wonder if they showed that On NatGeo, a TV show called ‘Navajo Cops’ that debuts on the reservation.

It said ‘Navajo Police officer J.H., an American Indian over whom the government exercises guardianship, working in a under-cover role, approached the house- located approximately 1/2 mile north of the court house in Chinle, Arizona….’

The FBI report must be referring to a Navajo Cop, “an American Indian over whom the government exercises guardianship” at any rate.

The court document, identified the moonshiner as, Vernon Yazzie who sold the 12 fl oz of ‘natural light beer’ to the under cover cop.

In the bootlegging bust, they also discovered marijuana and meth.

Cheers…