Customs & CID Probe Ice Drug Chemical Imports in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); The seized a stock of chemical substances allegedly used in the production of ice (crystal methamphetamine) from locations in Middeniya, Kadana, and Netolpitiya, have been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau for further investigation.

The seizure was made as part of ongoing inquiries into illicit drug manufacturing operations. 

Among the suspects taken into custody is Piyal Senadheera, father of former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) member Wijewickrama Manamperige Piyal Senadheera, who served in the Agunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha. 

The land where the chemicals were buried belongs to his brother, Sampath Manamperi, a former SLPP local government candidate who is now on the run.

Police revealed that Sampath Manamperi, once a police constable, had previously been arrested in connection with the assassination of MP Nadaraja Raviraj but was later released.

He was arrested in connection with chemical substances found buried on a property in Middeniya and is currently being held under a detention order by the Narcotics Bureau.

Investigations have also been launched by Sri Lanka Customs regarding how two containers containing these chemicals were cleared through customs. Simultaneously, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated a separate inquiry into the release of the containers.

Samples of the seized chemicals have been sent to the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) for analysis. According to NMRA Chairman, Dr. Indika Wanninayake, preliminary tests have confirmed that several substances recovered from Middeweniya contain components used in the production of ice.

Police have further revealed that the stock of chemicals discovered in Middeniya, Netolpitiya, and Kadana is linked to a criminal network involving individuals previously arrested in Indonesia. These include Kehelbaddara Padme, Backhoe Saman, and Panadura Nilanga, who are believed to be key figures in the drug trafficking operation.