STF raids artificial toddy distillery in Kochchikade

The STF, on Tuesday, raided an artificial toddy distillery at Ottiyawatte in Kochchikade and taken into custody three persons along with stocks of ingredients and paraphernalia used to manufacture the illicit brew.

The raiders seized 4,000 litres of molasses, 2,760 bottles of artificial toddy, 7.5 kilos of sugar, 5.9 kilos of ammonia and three sacks containing 500 gram packets of yeast.

Two women were among the three suspects arrested. They are residents of Katana and Kochchikade.

The stock of illicit brew, equipment and the suspects were handed over to the Negombo Excise Branch for legal action.

The distillery was located about three kilometres from the Kochchikade police.

The raid, carried out on a tip off, found evidence that the artificial toddy made from harmful chemicals was bottled and labeled as pure coconut toddy prior to being sent to the market, police said.

The raiding team comprised Chief Inspector MMNK Marasinghe, SI DLDT Prasanna, PSs 40444 Rohana, 12117 Tharanga, 18705 Godamunna, PCs 79349 Sampath, 87879 Kapila, 27266 Wijeratne and 4632 Perera.