Errant traders netted

Flying squad conduct 27 raids:

Irangika RANGE

Consumer Affairs Authority (CAA) flying squad conducted 27 raids across the country yesterday to nab errant traders.

CAA Chairman Rumi Marzook said the Authority had received a number of complaints regarding errant traders.

The Authority has inquired into these complaints and conducted 27 raids in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Hambantota, Katugastota, Kadugannawa, Kandy, Matara, Fort, Bambalapitiya, Rajagiriya, Malambe, Panadura, Kalutara, Kurunegala and several other cities yesterday. He said that the CAA will file cases against these errant traders in Magistrate's Courts. A number of consumer complaints on the sale of Samba and Nadu rice at higher prices have been received by the CAA. "The CAA will take stern action against errant traders selling rice at higher than the State stipulated maximum retail prices," he said.

Continuous raids will be conducted to nab traders fleecing consumers and to safeguard them from illegal activities of traders.

Meanwhile, the CAA received an income of Rs.5 million in 2009 as fines from errant traders. It has also carried out 2,600 islandwide raids.