Police have so far arrested around 68 persons involved in selling fuel illegally without a licence. In a statement the police media unit said that raids are being carried out across the country to apprehend people who sell fuel without authorized licences.
Reportedly, 8,025 litres of petrol and 726 litres of diesel were taken into custody during the raids.
The Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that the public were allowed to obtain fuel into cans, bottles and other vessels for their use. However, he noted that it had been observed that certain unscrupulous elements were abusing this privilege and were obtaining fuel into such cans and barrels and selling it at higher rates illegally. SSP Thalduwa said those who in fuel queues for vehicles and other essential matters encounter difficulties due to such actions.
The Police Media Spokesman urged the public to only purchase fuel sufficient for their requirement. He said the public is allowed to purchase kerosene oil in jerry cans and bottles in required amounts. In the latest raid, the police had arrested a 71-year-old resident of the Hendalawatte area on Monday (11) for illegally storing and selling fuel at higher rates.
The Special Task Force acting on a tip-off had raided the premises at Hendalawatte and taken into custody 30 litres and 750 ml of petrol that was stocked by the suspect and being sold at higher rates.
The Police Spokesman further stated that while the public are allowed to purchase fuel for their requirements, the raids have been increased from yesterday to arrest anyone storing fuel illegally for sale without a license. He said such raids and arrests could be carried out without a warrant.
courtesy dailynews
