Police have arrested seven youths in Panadura for engaging in illegal motorcycle racing involving monetary bets.

The suspects, aged between 18 and 22, are residents of Moratuwa, Egodauyana and Panadura. 

The arrests followed complaints from residents about night-time races causing excessive noise and public nuisance along the Old Galle Road.

Police carried out a targeted operation, setting up roadblocks along Jubilee Road and nearby areas. 

Four motorcycles were seized, with investigations revealing modified silencers and numbered vehicles used for racing.