40% rise in illicit liquor production: NATA

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol says that a rapid increase has been noted in the production of illicit alcohol.

Its Chairman, Samadhi Rajapaksa mentioned that within the last 8 months, the production of illicit liquor has increased by about 40%.

Moreover, he said that the production and sale of illegal tobacco products have also increased.

The NATA Chairman said that the possible reason for the increase noted could be the lack of basic necessities for officials to conduct raids and drug busts, in the context of the current fuel shortage.