A large-scale racket involving the repackaging of expired sugar into new packaging and releasing it to the market was uncovered during a joint raid conducted today (06) by the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Force and the Consumer Affairs Authority in the Peliyagoda area.

Police said the warehouse manager has been arrested along with the stock of sugar that was unfit for human consumption.

The raid was carried out based on a confidential tip-off provided by the Army Intelligence Corps to the Officer-in-Charge of the Walana Central Anti-Corruption Force, Chief Inspector Indika Weerasinghe.

Investigations revealed that the stock had been stored in a warehouse complex operated by a company in the Pethiyagoda area of Peliyagoda.

Authorities further found that the company had repackaged expired sugar into new packets, altering expiry dates and brand labels before releasing them to the market.

It was also revealed that heavily discoloured sugar stocks had been illegally sold for the production of illicit alcohol (kasippu), police said.

Following the operation, officials of the Consumer Affairs Authority sealed the warehouse with immediate effect.