Moonshine death toll reaches 19

Rafik Jalaldeen

WELIWERIYA: The victims of moonshine death toll rose to 19 by yesterday in Galoluwa, Weliweriya, Police spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera said. A commission was appointed by the Excise Department to probe the matter.

"The death toll of the moonshine victims has dramatically increased.

It was reported that 40 others are still treated at several hospitals", the SSP Gunasekra added.

He said six suspects including a woman involved in the illegal illicit brewery and distribution were arrested by the police. "The wife of illegal moonshine brewer were among the suspects arrested by the police", he added. According to Excise Department, a Commission was appointed by Commissioner General of Excise D.G.M. Hapuarachchi to probe the matter and launch a full scale investigation.

The Weliweriya police are conducting further investigations.