ALE Agents Seize 200-Gallon Illegal Distillery Following Explosion and Fire in Wilkes County

North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division (ALE) Special Agents conducted an investigation following an explosion and fire caused by an illegal liquor distillery in Wilkes County on Monday, October 26, 2026.

Special Agents were initially contacted by the Wilkes County Sheriff's Office, the Wilkes County Fire Marshal's Office, and the Office of the State Fire Marshal in reference to a structure fire resulting from an active non-taxpaid liquor manufacturing operation.

Upon arriving at the scene, ALE agents discovered an active 200-gallon illegal distillery. During the investigation, agents seized approximately 1,800 gallons of mash and 161 gallons of non-taxpaid liquor (moonshine).

Following the investigation, Billy Ray Anderson, 69, of North Wilkesboro, was arrested and charged with the following offenses:

• Manufacturing a non-taxpaid alcoholic beverage
• Possession for sale of a non-taxpaid alcoholic beverage
• Possession of a non-taxpaid alcoholic beverage
• Possession of distillery equipment
• Possession of distillery ingredients
• Allowing property to be used for the manufacture of a non-taxpaid alcoholic beverage

ALE Special Agents lead enforcement operations involving illegal distillery equipment, non-taxpaid spirits, and regulated beverage distribution across North Carolina to ensure public safety and mitigate hazardous manufacturing practices.