DEPUTIES: Moonshine Still Found In Martin County
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Updated: 8:55 PM Mar 24, 2009
DEPUTIES: Moonshine Still Found In Martin County
A liquor still, hundreds of gallons of mash and a marijuana growing operation, have been found in Martin County. Click the story to see more photos of the illegal still.
Posted: 11:38 AM Mar 24, 2009
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A liquor still, hundreds of gallons of mash and a marijuana growing operation, have been found in Martin County.

It was found yesterday as a six-month investigation lead to a search and discovery of the illegal still and the arrest of a Bethel area man.

69-year-old Ernest Harrell is facing charges of possession and manufacture of non tax paid alcohol, possession of marijuana, manufacturing marijuana, and maintaining a dwelling to keep, store and sell controlled substances.

Martin County deputies say they seized an illegal still, some two pounds of pot and marijuana seeds, a handgun and approximately $3800 in cash.

Deputies say they found 250 gallons of mash, the fermented mixture that's used to create illegal liquor. The still was found in outbuildings at 15994 Highway 11, that's near the Martin-Edgecombe County line.

During an aerial search by the Highway Patrol, two large marijuana plots were found in a wooded area behind the suspect's residence.


Latest Comments

Posted by: QUESTION Location: SOMEWHERE IN TIME on Jul 14, 2009 at 04:22 PM

IS THERE NO ABC STORE IN MARTIN COUNTY? WHERE IS MARTIN COUNTY? WHO GOT TIME TO RUN A STILL? I CAN'T BELIEVE SOME OF THIS STUFF I READ THESE DAYS. I'M MOVING TO MARS!!
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: VoiceofReason on Apr 2, 2009 at 01:08 PM

The MCSD received a complaint, they responded. Do you honestly think that amount of alcohol and 2 fields of marijuana were for personal use? Do you think that he checked ID's? Do you know that moonshine made wrong can kill you? The professionals at the MCSD did their job and they do much more than this on a daily basis. What kind of people were hanging around there? Would you want this going on in your neighborhood? Well done MCSD!
[ Report Abuse ]
Posted by: who cares Location: wherever on Apr 1, 2009 at 02:38 AM

Took down a 69 year old dangerous dope dealer! Wow.. I AM IMPRESSED! All by themselves too! Now, lets go do something worthwhile. Maybe go after some REAL criminals?
[ Report Abuse ]
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