There were 18 residents facing criminal charges for impaired driving when the Nunavut Court of Justice convened in Rankin Inlet on Monday.
One 29-year-old accused has been charged in relation to four incidents of drinking and driving, according to the police.
"The RCMP wants to encourage people to drive sober and not 'blow' away their chances of a clean criminal record, certain types of employment and/or the freedom and ability travel internationally," a Wednesday news release from the Mounties reads. "Of greater consequence in Canada, on average four people die every day and many more are injured in motor vehicle collisions involving alcohol and or drug use. The mandatory sentence for a first instance of impaired driving is a $1,000 fine and a one-year driving prohibition.
"The RCMP would like to encourage people to keep reporting impaired drivers. Residents can call the local RCMP detachment at (867) 645-1111."
Those struggling with alcohol addictions or substance abuse can contact the Pulaarvik Kablu Support Line at 1-844-645- 3580, the Kamatsiaqtut Nunavut Helpline at 1-800-265-3333, or visit http://nunavuthelpline.ca