Moonshine with a feminine touch

Southern Excise Sleuths arrested several suspects including 10 women, involved in the illicit liquor trade recently. Excise sources said during raids in Elpitiya, Galle, Matara and Tangalle, sleuths arrested over 100 suspects including 10 women for violating Excise rules and regulations.

The arrested were involved in illegal brewing and possessing moonshine. Several hooch dens too had been busted, they added.

During other raids 22 others had been taken to task for smoking in public places, an Excise officer said.

The Government banned smoking in enclosed public areas through the introduction of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act in December 2006.