Special to the Signal

On Thursday, Nov. 8 agents with the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board seized approximately 135 gallons of illegal moonshine whiskey from an address in Lowndes County, according to ABC Enforcement Captain Hal Taylor.

Taylor said the moonshine was located in an abandoned shack approximately 40 yards from the active still site, which was destroyed during the investigation.

He said this is the second still seized and destroyed from the same location in the last year. The illegal alcohol has an approximate street value of $4,050 ($30 per gallon).

However, he said, no arrests have been made at this time as the investigation is ongoing.

“Not only illegal, moonshine is a public health issue as well,” Taylor warned. “Although not as prevalent as in years past, moonshine trafficking continues to be an issue that our agents deal with on a fairly routine basis. It is made in very unsanitary conditions and people who drink moonshine are taking a big chance. Lead and other impurities are commonly found in moonshine. Persons who drink moonshine are at risk for significant health problems.”

He said ABC agents have discovered dead animals such as rodents, raccoons, and opossums in mash barrels.