By TARA JENNINGSLedger Staff Writertara@gaffneyledger.com

A Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Agent helps destroy a distillery inside a barn in the Kings Creek community of Blacksburg. More than 200 gallons (inset photo) of moonshine were seized. Narcotics agents have seized more than 200 gallons of moonshine and destroyed a “still” found inside a Kings Creek barn.

Captain Rick Burgess and Detective Christy Poole of the Cherokee County Metro Narcotics Unit have charged 64-year-old Charles Edward Martin, of 159 Billy Misty Road, in the Kings Creek community of Blacksburg, with possession of illegal liquor, operating an illegal distillery and possession of marijuana.

Martin has been released from the Cherokee County Detention Center on $10,565 bond on the three charges. A conviction can carry a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $600.

Narcotics agents and uniformed sheriff’s deputies were searching for drugs when they came across the distillery operated out of Martin’s barn, according to Sheriff Bill Blanton. Water and power from Martin’s home had been run to the site.

Four 250-gallon drums used to produce the moonshine were found buried underground, police said. Police used backhoes to destroy the device.