Police say it's one of the biggest moonshine operations they have found in years.

The Bell County Sheriff's office found the illegal distillery in the Frakes Community off of Highway 1-90.

Police call it a big bust.

Police believe because they found jugs that hold several gallons of liquid, this operation worked in a wide area.

"This was not just sold in the Frakes Community but it moved across state lines," said Doug Jordan with the Bell County Sheriff's Department.

Police found more than 100 gallons of whiskey and 500 gallons of mash.

Police arrested 40 year old Noal Ward for this moonshine still.

While moonshine is not as common as it used to be, police say it's still a problem.

"Alcohol is a drug just like any other drug. If it's abused it becomes addictive. Commonly referred to as alcoholics, which is a sickness," said Bell County Sheriff, Bruce Bennett.

"We have had a lot of problems with underage children buying alcohol. It is going to have to stop. This community expects more. It will be a relentless pursuit until it's ending," said Jordan.

Police say this is an ongoing investigation and hope to arrest more.

Ward is in the bell county detention center.
His bond is not yet set.
He is charged with trafficking an alcoholic beverage in a dry territory and unlawful manufacturing.