INSIDER
How rum-running became one of Detroitโs biggest industries during Prohibition era
Read full article: How rum-running became one of Detroitโs biggest industries during Prohibition eraDETROIT โ During the Prohibition era, Detroitโs underground booze business exploded. Given Detroit's close proximity to an international port, Canada, it's no surprise how profitable illegal alcohol was for organized crime groups, like the Purple Gang, and speakeasy owners. Related: When the 'Purple Gang' ruled DetroitBy 1929, making and distributing illegal alcohol, or rum-running, was Detroit's No. One of the biggest methods was for large vessels docked in Windsor to have documentation for South America, but would then just drop illegal booze shipments in Detroit. Eventually, lawmakers argued the only way to end the violence and crime was to end Prohibition, which finally happened on Dec. 5, 1933.