Black market in fuel supply thriving

Due to the restrictions imposed on the release of fuel, illegal fuel smuggling by various people is also a source of income that earns them a lot of profit these days.

During the operations carried out by the police in search of those involved in such illegal businesses, the police have taken steps to find and seize small and large fuel stocks that were illegally collected during the last month.

During an inspection carried out by the officers of the traffic branch of the Badulla Police in the Pinarawa area on the Badulla–Bandarawela road, a suspect and a three-wheeler were seized along with a stock of petrol that was being illegally sold at a higher price.

Meanwhile, officers of Tangalle Anti Corruption Unit seized 1,350 litres of diesel that was stored illegally by a businessman.

The suspect was arrested along with the consignment of fuel that was stored in seven barrels behind his office in Hungama, Kalametiya, on July 29.

The suspect and the consignment of fuel have been handed over to the Hungama Police for further investigation.