Bunuba leader Patrick Green says the latest charges linked to sly grogging in the east Kimberley in West Australia highlight ongoing concerns about long-standing dry community policies.

"The alcohol ban has been in place for over 15 years without any review, and people are paying an exorbitant price through sly grogging," Mr Green said.

"They should go the 3.5 per cent rate (relaxing restrictions on the legal sale of mid-strength drinks) and see how that curves sly grogging."

His comments follow the charging of prominent Kimberley man Cyril Mark Yeeda, who has been accused of dealing with money alleged to be the proceeds of crime.

Police allege Mr Yeeda profited from the illegal sale of alcohol to residents of Halls Creek and surrounding dry communities in the Kimberley between October 2024 and July 2025.

It is alleged he purchased more than 450 cartons of beer, 40 bottles of champagne and 115 bottles of rum in Darwin, with a total value of about $45,000.

Police claim Mr Yeeda then received more than $170,000 in return — including approximately $140,000 through electronic bank transfers and more than $30,000 in cash deposits.

He was granted bail and is due to return to court next month.

Under liquor restrictions enforced in 2009, Halls Creek residents may only purchase low-alcohol takeaway products capped at 2.7 per cent, with all mid- and full-strength alcohol banned.

An exception applies for hotel lodgers, who are permitted to buy stronger takeaway alcohol while staying at the hotel.

Kimberley Superintendent John Hutchison said police were determined to crack down on sly grogging across the region.

"Police across the Kimberley are working tirelessly to combat alcohol-related crimes, which often contribute towards incidents of anti-social behaviour, serious assaults and family and domestic violence," Supt Hutchison told National Indigenous Times.

"This type of offending exploits vulnerable communities and fuels harm and WA Police will continue to target those who are profiting from illegal sales of alcohol and hold them accountable," he said.