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Enterprising moonshine magnate busted by Latvian police

Other News Materials 11 February 2009 19:03 (UTC +04:00)

Latvian police confirmed Wednesday that they had broken up an illegal alcohol distillery in the capital, Riga, that advertised itself as having the approval of US President Barack Obama, dpa reported.

Police seized 122 litres of home-made hooch during a raid on a flat in the Kengarags district on Tuesday, along with supplies of empty bottles and distilling equipment.

The illicit distillery came complete with a price list - seemingly drawn up by the Obama administration - offering such delights as "Anti-crisis Vodka".

Another brew called "Farmer's Delight" was named in honour of Latvian farmers who recently blockaded Riga with their tractors and forced the resignation of the agriculture minister.

The enterprising operator of the still also offered a range of credit-crunch-busting incentives to his clients, including complimentary snacks and a free pack of cigarettes with every half- litre of the house speciality.

Introducing a friend to the establishment for the first time entitled 'members' to a free gift.

The bathroom in the property had been converted into a special bottle-washing plant, police spokesman Edgard Dudko said.

A man in his early twenties with no previous criminal record was detained by police in connection with the raid and may faces charges of illegally producing, storing and selling alcoholic beverages.

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