Deputies bust moonshine still

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The Clarendon County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Task Force announced Tuesday morning that deputies seized ingredients and equipment typically used in the manufacture of moonshine.

Capt. Ricky Richards said deputies seized 700 gallons of mash, capable of making up to 600 gallons of moonshine; 20 gallons of finished moonshine; a 200-gallon cooking pot; and 20 bags of corn.

“At about $50-60 a gallon, that’s about a $35,000 total street value possible from these materials,” Richards said.

Richards and Maj. Kipp Coker said the still was found near a home in the 1000 block of Oriole Place by employees of R&J Farm.

“They called us, and we found a trail from the still to a house,” Richards said “we got a search warrant for the home. No one lives there.”

Richards said investigators are still looking into any possible owners or operators of the still.

“We believe we know who is responsible but now it’s a matter of proving it,” he said.

The investigators said that moonshine is relatively easy and safe to make.

“It’s not all that hard or particularly dangerous,” Richards said. “It’s not like it’s going to explode like meth, but it is against the law.”

Anyone with any information about this case should call the Sheriff’s Office at (803) 435-4414.