Massive moonshine haul

Rasika SOMARATHNA

Southern Excise Sleuths has busted a massive illicit liquor racket in the Balapitiya/Elpitiya areas, raiding four illegal breweries and two hooch dens, which were getting ready for a lucrative business, during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festivities.

A spokesman for the Department said, that they had made these detections in 'Beraliya Mukalana' forest reserve in Elpitiya and in the banks of 'Madu Ganga' in Balapitiya.

Sleuths had uncovered, large quantities of moonshine and illicit liquor, which had been in preparation to be distributed in the Ambalangoda, Balapitiya and Elpitiya areas during the festive season.

They had seized 16,000 ml of illicit spirits, 680,000 ml of goda, 15 barrels, four copper coils, a large amount of ammonia etc. which is valued over Rs.01 million.

Sleuths had also arrested six suspects who are to be produced in Courts, shortly.

The Government ordered bars, taverns, restaurants and wine stores throughout the country to be closed on April 13 and 14.

Accordingly, the Excise Department has organised special squads through out the country to nab offenders with additional manpower in identified hot spots.

Last year, during the same period, sleuths arrested 1,904 suspects in 1,864 raids.

In the process they also collected Rs.40 million worth of illicit liquor and accessories.