North Carolina ALE agents seize illegal distillery after explosion

North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE) agents seized a 200-gallon illegal distillery in Wilkes County following an explosion and fire on Monday, October 26, 2026. The incident occurred in a metal building off Cove Creek Road, where a fire reportedly began in an old refrigerator, causing small containers of LP gas to explode.

During the investigation, agents recovered approximately 1,800 gallons of mash and 161 gallons of non-taxpaid liquor, commonly known as moonshine. Billy Ray Anderson, 69, of North Wilkesboro, was arrested and faces multiple charges, including manufacturing and possession of non-taxpaid alcoholic beverages, possession of distillery equipment and ingredients, and allowing property to be used for illegal manufacturing.