Illegally transporting moonshine in a vehicle feels so 1920s, as that’s when prohibition started. Running moonshine led to the creation of NASCAR and never truly stopped. But Alabama police officers were still shocked to find 81 gallons during a traffic stop. 

Alabama police find 81 gallons of moonshine in an SUV 

As jars labeled as moonshine are sold in liquor stores, you probably don’t think about legal operations occurring. But running white lightning has been a popular way to make a living since the prohibition era. 

Driving fast away from police officers is how some NASCAR drivers got their start. Police officers weren’t exactly expecting to find contraband during a routine traffic stop, though. 

The suspect, identified as 61-year-old Learndis Hamilton, was pulled over for a traffic violation. He was driving an SUV from Florida through Alabama at the time. 

Then officers noticed gallons of moonshine sitting in plain sight. The driver made no attempt to hide them, and officers are legally allowed to search your vehicle without a warrant if contraband is sitting in plain sight. 

According to WDHN, officers removed 81 gallons containing a clear liquid from the SUV. Upon further investigation, the liquid was determined to be illegally distilled moonshine. 

Himilton was arrested and charged with one count of transporting prohibited liquor or beverages in quantities of five gallons or more. Plus, he doesn’t have a valid driver’s license. 

Authorities believe he was transporting the substance to an unknown final location to be sold. Also, they don’t think he’s the distiller. The investigation has been turned over to the Alabama Beverage Control Board.