Ten illegal distilleries busted
Rasika Somarathna
The Southern Special Detection Unit excise sleuths busted ten illegal
distilleries located at Thalgaswala, Mapalagama Friday. They had also
taken into custody 10 suspects along with distilling equipment and
illicit liquor worth over Rs 2.5 million.
|
Special Detection Unit Excise Sleuths with distilling equipment |
According to Excise sources these illegal distilleries were located
in an abandoned area of a 4500 acre estate cultivated with coconut and
tea.
During the raid officers had taken into custody over 9000 litres of
moonshine and illegal spirits and distilling equipment such as 30
barrels, 10 copper coils and a substantial amount of ammonia. According
to Excise sources, the suspects had been running a thriving business
selling their produce to a larger part of the Galle district. The
suspects are to be produced in courts.
The raid was carried out according to a complaint received by Excise
Commissioner General DGMV Hapuarachchi and under the instructions of
Senior Officers D. A. Dayaratne and A.Bodaragama. Galle Excise OIC
Sumith Chandrasekera, Officers Jayantha De Silva, T. Mendis Dhammika,
Nayanapriya, D.H.Bandusena and Senadeera also took part in the raid. |
