Moonshine operation shut down by police

File photo / NZ Herald

A moonshine operation was shut down by police in Westport yesterday.

Although not making a direct link, police said home-distilled spirits were involved in the death of one 16-year-old and another being flown to Grey Base Hospital suffering from alcohol poisoning.

A 49-year-old Westport man was arrested and charged with illegally selling liquor after a search of his Palmerston St property revealed 47 litres of homemade spirits, and a further 75 litres being processed.

Police also seized a large amount of distilling equipment, including 50 empty spirit bottles.

Yesterday's raid was the result of a controlled purchase operation on Wednesday, in which a volunteer was sold a litre bottle of homemade whiskey.

The arrested man was released on bail to appear in the Westport District Court on February 2.

Westport police youth aid officer senior constable Don Abbey said 16-year-old Thomas Elworthy had been drinking homemade spirits, when he was struck by a car and killed near Carters Beach at 6.30am on October 7.

At the time, police said Thomas had sneaked out of his house the previous evening to drink with friends.

Mr Abbey said today another 16-year-old Westport youth had been flown to Grey Base Hospital aboard the rescue helicopter in a serious condition after consuming home-distilled liquor.

West Coast police alcohol harm reduction officer Sergeant Sean Judd condemned the illegal booze trade: "The community is well aware of the harm caused by young people having uncontrolled access to alcohol and it is disturbing to know there are those willing to supply them for the sake of making a quick buck.

"We all know the issues, we know the damage caused and the social costs associated with this type of offending. If you have any information regarding the unlawful sale or supply of alcohol in our communities then police want to hear about it, and if the information is sufficient then we will act on it."

Mr Judd urged the sensible consumption of alcohol over the festive season. However, he promised they would take action wherever the consumption became excessive and caused anti-social or dangerous behaviour.