OZARK, Ala. (WPEC) — An Alabama police officer discovered a Florida man hauling 81 gallons of moonshine during a routine traffic stop, an amount authorities say far exceeds what can legally be transported without a license.

The Ozark Police Department said Officer Dylan Griffin with the Crime Suppression Unit pulled over 61-year-old Learndis Hamilton on January 9 for a traffic violation. Containers of clear liquid were reportedly visible inside the vehicle, prompting further investigation.

Tests confirmed the liquid was illegally distilled moonshine, police said. Hamilton, who was traveling from Florida to an unknown destination, was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was arrested at the scene.

January 23, 2026 — A Florida man was arrested in Ozark, Alabama, after Officer Dylan Griffin discovered 81 gallons of illegal moonshine during a January 9 traffic stop, an amount that police say far exceeded legal transport limits, prompting the seizure because the unregulated liquor “would likely have been sold with zero oversight” and potentially fueled further criminal activity. (Ozark Criminal Investigations Bureau)

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In a statement, the department noted that without Griffin’s proactive enforcement, the large quantity of unregulated liquor “would likely have been sold with zero oversight,” potentially contributing to other criminal activity.

The case has been turned over to the Alabama Beverage Control Board for further investigation.

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