THP Chopper Pilot Spots Marijuana that leads to Moonshine Still
Wednesday, August 04, 2010 | 05:46am
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NASHVILLE --- A Tennessee Highway Patrol helicopter pilot, working with the Governor’s Task Force for Marijuana Eradication, spotted marijuana plants in an undisclosed location in Cocke County Tuesday, August 3, 2010. During the search and subsequent investigation of the property, investigators located an illegal Moonshine still operation.
THP Aviation Lieutenant Terry Botts located several marijuana plants near a barn and residence while conducting marijuana eradication in an area of Highway 160 and Highway 321. Members of the Tennessee Highway Patrol Special Operations unit, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) participated in the operation.
After obtaining a search warrant, investigators discovered approximately 50 marijuana plants, 200 gallons of Moonshine, and seven 500-gallon Moonshine stills. Six of the stills contained approximately 500 gallons of Mash. The ABC is conducting an on-going investigation.
Lieutenant Botts is a 33-year veteran of the THP and has served in Special Operations as an aviation pilot since 1990. Botts spotted the plants at approximately 10 a.m. Tuesday and guided law enforcement officers on the ground to the illegal patches.
For more information, contact the Alcoholic Beverage Commission (Knoxville) at (865) 594-6342.
The Tennessee Department of Safety’s (www.TN.Gov/safety) mission is to ensure the safety and general welfare of the public. The department encompasses the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Office of Homeland Security and Driver License Services. General areas of responsibility include law enforcement, safety education, motorist services and terrorism prevention.
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