Crackdown in Kandy District: 232 Illicit Liquor Raids Amid Drugged Driving Arrests

In a significant enforcement drive across the Kandy District, police have intensified action against both drug-impaired driving and the growing illicit alcohol trade. Addressing the District Coordinating Committee at the Kandy District Secretariat, DIG Sudath Masinghe revealed that 32 drivers , including trishaw and private bus operators , were arrested for driving under the influence of narcotics. Legal proceedings have already been initiated, reflecting authorities’ commitment to road safety.

However, beyond drug-impaired driving, a major concern highlighted at the meeting was the alarming spread of illicit liquor, commonly known as kasippu. In the Gampola Police Division alone, officers conducted 232 raids targeting illegal alcohol production and distribution networks. This large number of operations underscores how deeply rooted and organized the illicit alcohol trade has become in certain communities.

Illicit alcohol poses multiple threats. Unlike regulated liquor, kasippu is often produced in unsafe, unhygienic conditions using harmful chemical additives. Consumption can lead to severe health complications, including poisoning, organ damage, and even death. Economically, it deprives the government of tax revenue while empowering underground criminal networks. Socially, it contributes to domestic violence, road accidents, and community instability.

Authorities emphasized that the crackdown is part of a broader strategy to curb substance abuse and protect public safety. With coordinated raids, legal enforcement, and community awareness, officials aim to dismantle illegal alcohol operations and reduce substance-related harm across the district. The message from law enforcement is clear: both narcotics and illicit alcohol will face zero tolerance as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard lives and restore order.