The Excise Department has conducted 16,084 successful raids island-wide in the first six months of the year.
In a statement, the Excise Department said 19,641 persons were apprehended during the raids conducted under the Excise Ordinance.
2,152 raids were also conducted under the Poisons, Opium And Dangerous Drugs Ordinance and 1,405 raids under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol Act.
The Department noted more than Rs.200 million worth of goods were seized during the raids while Rs.60 million were collected as fines.
The Department also acknowledged the support rendered by the general public in informing illegal activities.
The public has been requested to contact the Department over the 1913 hotline number or through the 0112 877 882 and 0112 877 688 numbers to lodge complaints.
