On Nov. 4, ALE agents seized 460 full quart glass mason jars of non-taxpaid spirituous liquor and a stainless steel liquor distillery with copper components. The street value of the moonshine was valued at $11,000.

Two brothers, Herman Paul Wood and Joseph Adam Wood have been charged with unlawful possession of equipment or ingredients intended for the use of manufactured spirituous liquor, unlawfully manufacturing spirituous liquor without first obtaining an ABC permit and revenue license and the willful and unlawful possession of non-taxpaid spirituous liquor.

The N.C. Alcohol Law Enforcement District I Office in Elizabeth City received information that moonshine was being manufactured in the Whitakers community, but the exact location had not been known. Through the use of undercover teams, surveillance and other sources of information, the investigation revealed the location where the moonshine was being stored and distributed, but the manufacturing point remained unknown.

After seeing the smoke, ALE Special Agents Tim Parker and Kelvin Dickens approached and questioned Herman Paul Wood of 11522 Red Oak Road and Joseph Adam Wood of 11498 Red Oak Road. The two agents determined through their interviews and investigation that the Wood brothers were allegedly involved in the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of a large scale illegal alcohol operation. The investigation also alleged that illegal spirituous liquor was possessed and sold at each of the Wood's residence, but the manufacturing point, the moonshine still, was located at the residence of Herman Wood.

The illegal liquor was made from several fruits including watermelons, strawberries, apples, pears and plums. The Wood brothers allegedly grew and prepared all the fruit on their property in Nash County. ##