Police have recovered two bowsers containing 19,060 liters of diesel that were illegally collected and stored in the Biyagama area. Upon further investigation, the Kelaniya Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau has been able to arrest four suspects in connection with the incident.
The suspects, aged 20, 22, 32 and 42, are residents of Heiyanthuduwa, Thihagoda and Nelumdeniya areas.
Investigations revealed that the suspects had paid drivers of lorries, tipper trucks and other vehicles plying the road to remove diesel from fuel tanks without a license.
The fuel obtained in this way was stored in tanks prepared by the suspects and later sold.
The police also seized 16 barrels used to extract fuel from vehicles and Rs. 381,000 in cash at the time of the arrest.