Tests conducted by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) have confirmed that chemicals discovered recently in Middeniya were intended for the production of the narcotic drug ‘ICE’ (Methamphetamine).

According to the NDDCB’s report submitted to police, 17 out of 20 samples taken from the seized stock contained chemicals used in methamphetamine production.

On September 5, law enforcement officers uncovered a large consignment of chemicals—estimated at 50,000 kilograms—buried at a residence in Thalawa, Middeniya, during a special operation by the Western North Crime Division.

Former Angunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha member Piyal Manamperi was arrested in connection with the discovery. Investigations revealed that Manamperi and his brother had concealed the chemicals and were close associates of underworld figure ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’, recently arrested in Jakarta, Indonesia, along with several gang members.

Interrogations of another suspect, ‘Backhoe Saman’, arrested in Indonesia, confirmed that ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ was responsible for importing the chemical stock into Sri Lanka.

The CID further uncovered that ‘Kehelbaddara Padme’ had been operating an illegal methamphetamine production facility in Nuwara Eliya, for which he had invested over Rs. 4 million and rented a house. Around 2,000 kilograms of chemicals had already been imported for the operation, according to suspect confessions.

Police investigations are continuing.