STF seize chemical mixed tea from a Bulathsinhala factory

A stock of tea leaves suspected to be mixed with chemicals, was seized by the STF during a raid on a tea factory at Ihala Welgama in Bulathsinhala, Police Spokesman Ruwan Gunasekera said.

The tea was recovered by the STF following a tip off on Wednesday, SP Gunasekara said.

According to the STF, they seized 124.9 kilogrammes of chemical powder, 53.3 kgs of tea, 47.8 litres of water mixed with chemicals and a used mixer. The STF took four suspects into custody along with the suspected tea. The seized items and those arrested were handed over to the Bulathsinhala Police. Those arrested were released on a bond to be produced in court, the STF said. SP Gunasekera said the samples obtained from tainted tea was forwarded to the Tea Board branch in Baduraliya for further investigations.