Lower Saxony: Customs uncovers illegal moonshine distillery in a house again - Police bust illegal moonshine rings in Lower Saxony's deadly alcohol crackdown

Customs officers in Lower Saxony have uncovered an illegal moonshine operation after raids in December. Two men from Sande and Schortens are suspected of involvement in the production of unlicensed alcohol. Authorities seized makeshift stills and around 60 litres of high-proof spirits during the investigation.

In a separate case, a 68-year-old homeowner in Cloppenburg now faces tax evasion charges for running an illegal distillery.

The December raids in Friesland district led to the discovery of four illegal distillation devices. Officers confiscated the equipment along with a large quantity of alcohol. The operation highlighted the risks of unregulated alcohol production, which can contain toxic methanol or other harmful contaminants.

Methanol poisoning can cause severe health issues, including blindness and fatal respiratory failure. Even small amounts can be deadly. Officials have stressed that distilling alcohol without a licence remains a criminal offence, regardless of whether it is for personal use.

Over the past two years, customs authorities nationwide have recorded around 150 cases of illegal distilleries. In Lower Saxony alone, about 25 such operations were uncovered. The recent seizures follow warnings about the dangers of improvised stills, which can produce dangerously flammable and toxic substances.

The 68-year-old suspect in Cloppenburg was charged after customs officers dismantled his illegal setup. Investigations into the two men from Sande and Schortens are ongoing.

The raids have reinforced warnings about the legal and health risks of illegal alcohol production. Customs officials continue to crack down on unlicensed distilleries across the region. Those found guilty of tax evasion or illegal distillation face prosecution under German law.