Contraband enters Cape
POLICE have seized a significant quantity of alcohol smuggled into a Cape York “dry community” during a crackdown on a funeral attended by 250 people within a biosecurity exclusion zone.
The send-off for wellknown indigenous elder Willy Hudson was held at Cullen Point, 80km north of Weipa in the Mapoon Aboriginal Council area.
The entire Cape York region has been the subject of a biosecurity lockdown since late March. It’s alleged the gathering was in breach of COVID-19 restrictions limiting outdoor funerals to 30 people.
The Cairns Post understands Mr Hudson was the brother of Mapoon Mayor Aileen Addo.
Ms Addo yesterday declined to answer questions about the funeral for her brother and whether it was in breach of COVID-19 social distancing regulations.
A Weipa man, who asked not to be named, was appalled that such a large gathering was permitted to go ahead amid strict COVID-19 laws.
A Queensland Police spokesman said “the majority” of participants were from within the designated biosecurity area.
“Officers showed compassion and used their discretion in deciding not to issue on-the-spot infringement notices,” he said. “With community safety in mind, Weipa police intercepted several vehicles travelling into the restricted alcohol area and seized a significant quantity of liquor and dangerous drugs.”
Police said people might be permitted to travel into restricted areas if granted an exemption from health authorities.
However, Queensland Health would not be drawn on whether any exemption was granted.
“We cannot comment on individual exemptions for privacy reasons,” a spokesman said. “We expect funeral directors and attendees to follow limits on numbers and penalties exist for those that breach public health directions.”
Police said no charges were laid in relation to illegal alcohol, prohibited drugs or any breach of COVID-19 regulations.
OFFICERS SHOWED COMPASSION AND USED THEIR DISCRETION IN DECIDING NOT TO ISSUE ON-THE-SPOT INFRINGEMENT NOTICES A QUEENSLAND POLICE SPOKESMAN