News
50,000 kilogrammes of unique chemical used to make ice smuggled in
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
About 50,000 kilograms of unique chemicals used to produce illegal methamphetamine (ICE) were brought into the country in two containers, representing a highly sophisticated form of chemical that poses significant challenges for local laboratory testing which may require assistance from foreign laboratories according to ASP Rohan Olugala of the Western North Crimes Division.
The buried chemicals found in Middeniya Pic by Priyantha S. Dassanayake
He added that the Government Analysts were scheduled to examine the chemical, saying, “It is up to the Government Analyst’s Department to clearly identify what this chemical is. That’s the only definite step forward.”
“Normally, when something comes through Customs, our labs check whether it’s dangerous or a raw material. But this time, our informant says the local facilities may simply not be capable. It would need to be tested in advanced laboratories overseas, in places like Singapore or the United States. This shows how sophisticated the chemical is, and how much our technology needs to improve,” he said.
Investigations uncovered a major illegal methamphetamine (ICE) production facility in Nuwara Eliya, allegedly funded by underworld figure Mandinu Padmasiri, also known as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme,’ who is currently in CID custody and being questioned about his illegal operations. He was deported to Sri Lanka from Indonesia on August 30, 2025, along with four other underworld criminals, following a joint operation by the Sri Lanka Police, Singaporean authorities, and Interpol.
The CID revealed that Padme had invested over Rs. 4 million and rented a house in Nuwara Eliya to run the factory. An Iranian national was also involved in the production, and police are now working to track him down. Then the police discovered about 50,000 kilogrammes of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine buried in two containers in Middeniya.
When asked about the property’s ownership, ASP Olugala told the Sunday Times that it belongs to Sampath Manamperi, a former election candidate from the Podujana Peramuna, who is currently in hiding. 
According to ASP Olugala, out of 50,000 kilogrammes of chemicals, about 8,000 kilogrammes were taken to the Nuwara Eliya factory. “The containers were buried underground, showing a clear attempt to hide the illegal activity,” he said.
Mr. Olugala explained the history of “Ice” to the Sunday Times: “This is not the first time ‘Ice’ production has been uncovered in Sri Lanka; past cases have even led to deaths. But this latest discovery is a new development and shows a worrying trend, as ‘Ice’ use has become more widespread. Back in 2017, six people were arrested for using it, when most of the public was unaware of the drug. Its dangerous nature has only gradually become clear. Today, besides heroin, many are addicted to ‘ice’, which is a very concerning situation in the country.” he said.
He told the Sunday Times, “The substance is a chemical, not a liquid. It is a dense, powdery material with granules and is used as a raw material to make ‘ice.’ This is the first time we have seen such a chemical.”
“Scientists from the Drug Control Board have visited the site and taken samples, but there are concerns this type of “ice” might be hard to detect in court due to its complex nature. Authorities need to keep updating their knowledge and technology to tackle such crimes.” The informant said government analysts are expected to identify the chemical clearly.
When the Sunday Times inquired about suspicions that the discovered chemical was methamphetamine (“Ice”), Police Media Spokesman F.U. Wootler said that out of 20 samples taken from the two containers and tested in Sri Lankan laboratories, five were confirmed to contain methamphetamine, which is used to produce Ice. He added that further testing is being carried out by the Government Analyst’s Department.
He however further added that Sri Lankan laboratories are now equipped with modern facilities and advanced technology to detect such substances without any difficulty.
The best way to say that you found the home of your dreams is by finding it on Hitad.lk. We have listings for apartments for sale or rent in Sri Lanka, no matter what locale you're looking for! Whether you live in Colombo, Galle, Kandy, Matara, Jaffna and more - we've got them all!