Large-scale illegal arrack distillery raided in Kalutara

Thursday, 30 July 2020 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Police yesterday raided a factory in Kalutara which was engaged in the large-scale manufacture of illicit arrack.

Much of the product was the 180 ml 'quarter' bottle, and sold under popular brand names.

The raid was conducted by the Colombo Crimes Division under a tip-off and seven suspects were arrested and 4,000 litres of Ethanol seized.

Police said illicit arrack is a massive racket island-wide, with such operations manufacturing and selling the product island-wide.

Over 30% of alcohol consumption in the country is via the 180 ml flasks, popularly called ‘quarter’ bottles, with illicit liquor dominating the industry.