Islandwide Crackdown On Illegal Fuel Hoarding

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Ministry of Public Security has announced the launch of islandwide operations to arrest individuals involved in the illegal stockpiling of fuel, as authorities move to prevent hoarding and ensure fair distribution.

Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala said the operations are being carried out on the instructions of the Inspector General of Police, with special teams deployed across the country. 

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Priyantha Weerasooriya said directives have been issued to all police stations to intensify enforcement against illegal fuel storage. 

The public has been urged to report information related to fuel hoarding by calling the hotline 1997.

The IGP further said that rewards will be offered to individuals who provide information leading to successful raids and arrests.

As part of the ongoing operations, seven individuals have been arrested for possessing petrol and diesel without valid permits. 

Police said the arrests were made in the areas of Chilaw, Haputale (Bogahakumbura), Bulathsinhala (Kirimatiwelakada), Katunayake, and Hinatiyana.

During these arrests, police recovered 420 litres of petrol, 3,803 litres of diesel, and 3 litres of kerosene from the suspects.