Trader caught making fake spices released on bail

By Bandu Thambavita   

A trader who manufactured fake chilli powder, turmeric powder, and other spices using rice flour and colourings was released by Matugama Acting Magistrate Sanath Wijesinghe on personal bail of Rs. 200,000 with two sureties.

Legal action had been taken against the suspect trader, B.H. Anuka Mahesh, by officers of the Matugama MOH office during a raid carried out based on information from the public.

PHI W.Y.K. Alwis told the court that the suspect was the owner of Hettige Products at Yatadolawatta in Matugama and that he had been manufacturing fake spices using rice flour and colourings unfit for human consumption.

It transpired that the suspect trader had previously been subject to legal action for similar offences.

The Acting Magistrate ordered that laboratory reports on the food samples be produced and postponed the case to July 27.