SINGARAJA ~ Half a ton of arak was seized by Buleleng Police’s Narcotics Department on Saturday, police said.

Head of the department I Gusti Putu Wisana Mandala said the seizures were part of an operation to decrease drinking of the rice-fermented spirit before and during legislative elections in April.

“The consumption of arak can cause people to become violent and destructive. We have seized half a ton of arak from five places in Gerokgak, Seririt and Tejakula,” Wisana Mandala said.

He said five people were also arrested on the same day for illegally selling arak, including 19-year-old Made Arya, who he said was the supplier of arak to sellers in the area.

He said all of the sellers would be charged, but would not face heavy punishments.