By Fred Guarino
The Lowndes Signal
Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board Agents, along with members of the Lowndes County Sheriff’s Office located and destroyed two illegal moonshine stills and arrested two men near the Collirene Community Tuesday afternoon.

Dean R. Argo, government relations manager for the Alabama ABC Board, said ABC Agents arrested two adult males, Henry Rudolph and Derry Andrews, both believed to be from Lowndes County.

He said Rudolph and Andrews were transported to the Lowndes County Jail (John Hulett Detention Facility in Hayneville) and have been charged initially with possession of an illegal still.

Argo said, “ABC Agents and Lowndes County Sheriff’s deputies located the stills about two months ago, but waited to move in until more information could be gathered and suspects identified.”

He said Lowndes County Sheriff John Williams assisted in today’s bust.

According to Argo, the first still was capable of cooking 19 barrels of mash and agents seized 5 gallons of finished moonshine.

He said the second still, believed to be constructed and operated by the same persons, was capable of cooking 15 barrels of mash. However, no finished product was found at the second still.

Argo said, “Both stills were operational. Agents believe that the suspects had tapped into county water line and stole water to use in the cooking process. The Lowndes County Water Board is also involved in the investigation and has not determined whether it will pursue charges.”

Sheriff Williams notified The Lowndes Signal of the bust Tuesday afternoon, but deferred to the ABC board for information.

The Lowndes Signal was unable to contact a representative of the Lowndes County Water Board as of press time.