Traffic stop for faulty turn signal leads to stockpile of moonshine, NC police say

A routine traffic stop went in a wildly different direction when police learned the driver had a stockpile of illegal liquor, according to investigators in southeastern North Carolina.

The discovery was made Wednesday, June 17, in Whiteville, after officers pulled over a 62-year-old driver for a turn signal violation, police said in a news release.

Suspicions were aroused when officers found 2.4 grams of methamphetamine in the vehicle, officials said.

“Detectives obtained and executed a search warrant for (his) residence,” police said. “During the execution of the search warrant, investigators located and seized an additional amount of methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, marijuana ... and approximately 18 gallons of non-tax-paid spiritous liquor.”

The investigation is ongoing, and details where and how the liquor was manufactured have not been released. Maps show a large structure is located in trees behind the suspect’s home.

The driver, who lives in Whiteville, has been charge with:

• Manufacture of liquor without a permit
• Possession/sale of non-tax-paid liquor
• Possession/sale of alcoholic beverages without a permit
• Possession of marijuana with intent to tell or deliver
• Possession with intent to sell or deliver a Schedule I controlled substance

The driver also received a citation for having faulty directional signal equipment, records show.

Whiteville is about a 115-mile drive south from downtown Raleigh

This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 8:50 AM with the headline "Traffic stop for faulty turn signal leads to stockpile of moonshine, NC police say."