Eight persons have been arrested by the Crimes Branch of the Matara Police for selling illicit arrack on Poya Day.

They had been arrested from the Palamawa, Weraduwa, Weligoda and Dharmapala Mawatha areas, together with 25 bottles of the illicit brew.

Inspector Sanjeewa, OIC of the Crimes Branch of the Matara Police, and other officers had conducted the operation.

The eight suspects were released on Police bail and are to appear in Court on November 6.