A total of 13 shop owners in the Kilinochchi town area have been fined for allegedly selling cigarettes to underage students attending schools and tuition classes, police said.
According to police, intelligence officers attached to the Kilinochchi Division received information that several retail outlets within the city were selling cigarettes to minors.
During special inspections and investigations officers identified the suspects, police noted.
Based on the findings, cases were filed against the 13 shop owners before the Kilinochchi Magistrate’s Court.
During proceedings, 11 of the accused pleaded guilty. The Magistrate ordered each of them to pay a fine of Rs. 20,000.
Warrants have been issued for the arrest of the remaining two shop owners who failed to appear before court.
Kilinochchi Police are continuing further investigations into the incident.
