ABC Agents Discover More than Narcotics When Called to Assist Suffolk Police

Special agents with the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) discovered more than narcotics when they were called to assist Suffolk Police Department with a search warrant on Thursday.

ABC agents were called to the 400 block of Vicksburg Road in the City of Suffolk to help Suffolk Police shut down a marijuana grow operation. When Suffolk Police executed of the warrant for narcotics, they discovered what appeared to be a liquor still and other items known to be used in the manufacture of illegal distilled spirits. Upon observation of these items, the scene was secured and ABC obtained a separate search warrant for the alcohol-related paraphernalia. After execution of the new search warrant, ABC agents seized a cooker hot plate, cooker pot, cooler coil and barrel, and assorted bottles which contained suspected illegal distilled spirits.

Once the ABC investigation was complete, a warrant was obtained for Leslie Allen Vanhoose, 59, the owner of the residence. Vanhoose was charged with two class 6 felonies for manufacture of alcoholic beverages without a license, and possession of weapons within 100 yards of a place where alcoholic beverages were unlawfully manufactured. He was also charged with two class 1 misdemeanors for possessing or keeping alcoholic beverages upon which imposed taxes have not been paid; and keeping, storing, or possessing a still or distilling apparatus without a permit.A class 6 felony is punishable by one to five years in prison, or 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine and a class 1 misdemeanor is punishable by up to 12 months in prison and/or up to a $2,500 fine.

Vanhoose was processed at the Western Tidewater Regional Jail where he was also facing charges as a result of the Suffolk Police Departments narcotics investigation. A trial date has not been set.