March 22, Colombo, LNW:In a significant operation conducted yesterday (21), officers from the Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department moved swiftly to seize properties valued at more than Rs. 100 million, believed to be owned by the primary kasippu (illicit liquor) smuggler in Nikaweratiya, under the purview of the Money Laundering Act.
According to police sources, the seized assets include a van, a lorry, various parcels of land, and multiple residential properties, some of which are registered under different individuals’ names.
A senior police official emphasized that the transfer or disposal of these assets is prohibited. Failure by registered owners to provide a legitimate explanation for the acquisition of these assets during court proceedings will result in their confiscation as unlawfully obtained property. The investigation stems from a complaint lodged with the Illegal Assets Investigation Division of the Criminal Investigation Department by Senior DIG Kithsiri Jayalath of the North Western Province.
It has been revealed that the detained individual has been involved in large-scale kasippu trafficking across the Kurunegala district in the North Western Province for over three decades, amassing substantial wealth and property through illicit means.
Additionally, investigators have announced plans to scrutinize both the dealer’s and his family members’ bank accounts to uncover any further financial irregularities linked to the illegal enterprise.
