by Kalinga Weerakkody
Panadura Special Striking Force (SSF) on Sunday arrested a leading businessman and three members of his family for allegedly being involved in distributing illicit liquor and took into custody the production worth around Rs. 25,000 from Piliyandala area.

SI Ananda Silva of SSF said investigations had revealed that the suspect had been involved in the business for more than three years.

He said that the suspect had lived a luxurious life in a well-built house in Maharagama area with several vehicles which had also been used for distribution of illicit liquor.

Police took into custody seven polysack bags and a Hi Ace van. The suspects were due to be produced before the Kesbewa Magistrate yesterday.

In another round up carried out by SSF in Kochchikade area last week police arrested 11 suspects including several leading businessmen for allegedly being involved in brewing illicit liquor in the area. Police took into custody illicit liquor worth Rs. seven lakhs. SI Ananda Silva told ‘The Island’ that the suspects had carried out the business for more than four years in the Welihena area, the largest liquor production in the area.

The suspects had distributed liquor to Colombo, Panadura, Kalutara and Piliyandala areas.

The raid was conducted on information received by the OIC, SSF, D. R. L. Ranaweera.