News
Arrest of Kehelbaddara Padme continues to lead to organised crime and drug trafficking deals
View(s):By Ishu Bandara
The Western Province North Range Crime Division yesterday morning arrested another supporter of ‘Backhoe Saman’ in the Gangeyaya, Embilipitiya area, who had helped transport weapons belonging to him to various parts of the country, as more breakthroughs came following the arrest of underworld gang leaders recently.
During the operation, police seized a T-81 firearm, 97 bullets, two T-56 magazines, and a camouflage uniform.
The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Hetti Liyanage Susira Lakshan, alias ‘Gangeyaya Amila,’ a resident of Gangeyaya, Embilipitiya.
Police said that during questioning, he admitted to transporting weapons for a long time. He said that on his latest trip, the weapons were hidden at the bottom of a cardboard banana box. He also said he did not know what type of weapons they were or how many magazines there were, as they had been sealed and packed in white fertiliser bags, called “pora bags.”
After arresting and deporting five key underworld criminals who had been hiding in Indonesia, the Sri Lanka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted thorough investigations based on the areas and leads revealed by those suspects.
Among the five criminals Kehelbaddara Padme, Commando Salintha, and Panadura Nilanga are in the custody of the CID while Thambili Lahiru and Backhoe Saman are being questioned by the Western Province North Crime Division.
The CID has been granted 90-day detention orders under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) for these suspects, allowing for extended interrogation.
As a result of the questioning, the Sri Lanka Police are making progress against organised crime and drug trafficking. They have uncovered large amounts of chemicals used to make ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine), arrested key underworld associates, and revealed links to state officials and politicians.
The investigation into ‘Backhoe Saman’ led to the discovery of 50,000 kilograms of chemicals meant for ‘Ice’ production, hidden underground in Middeniya last week with another batch of 100 kilogrammes later found at a house in Kandana- also suspected to be used in ‘Ice’ manufacture. These substances closely resemble those seized during the Middeniya raid, and investigators believe they were brought to the Kandana location and left there around four months ago.
Meanwhile, another suspected consignment of ‘Ice’ chemicals was uncovered at a property in Netolpitiya, Tangalle, following a tip-off from local residents. Police are actively investigating whether the Kandana, Middeniya, and Tangalle discoveries are linked, and whether they form part of a wider organised drug manufacturing and trafficking operation.
However, the next challenge is to determine whether the chemicals found in these areas are linked to the manufacturing of crystal methamphetamine (Ice). Tests are currently being conducted through government laboratories to confirm this.
As said by Assistant Superintendents of Police (ASP) Rohan Olugala to the Sunday Times, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) has confirmed that the chemicals found in Middeniya which are used to make Ice are consistent with substances used in synthetic drugs.
“A report from the NDDCB showed that out of 20 chemical samples tested, 15 were positive for Ice, and also the NDDCB has enough laboratory facilities in Sri Lanka to test such chemicals,” said ASP Olugala, after the Sunday Times asked whether local labs were properly equipped to handle a chemical not commonly found in the country.
The Sunday Times also inquired about the testing from Government Analyst Mrs. Sandya Kumudini Rajapakse of the Department of Government Analyst, Sri Lanka. She said that these chemical tests have been given priority over other pending tests as it is a critical issue. However, they will need another couple of weeks to complete the testing and provide the reports to the courts and the police department. When asked about the laboratory facilities, she stated that the current facilities are sufficient to carry out the tests.
Following investigations and the questioning of the five arrested criminals, authorities revealed the names of individuals allegedly involved in these criminal activities, including members of the Sri Lanka Police, Sri Lanka Armed Forces, and several politicians.
A Sri Lanka Army Lieutenant Colonel attached to the Mallavi Army Camp, a resident of Galle, has been granted a seven-day detention order for questioning over accusations of selling firearms to Kehelbaddara Padme and Commando Salintha.
The Western Province North Police Crime Division also detained another army colonel, the commanding officer in Palinagar, for allegedly selling 260 rounds of T-56 rifle ammunition to individuals such as Commando Salintha who had served under him.
Additionally, a Sri Lankan police sub inspector was arrested on suspicion of close ties with Kehelbaddara Padme, while former local councillor Sampath Manamperi is accused of acting under Padme’s direction in overseeing drug operations and arms trafficking.
Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala told the media that his department found evidence of gang connections involving police officers and officials from the Department of Immigration and Emigration, facilitating the acquisition of forged passports.
He also confirmed that 15 Sri Lankan underworld figures, including major criminals and drug traffickers listed in Interpol Red Notices, are currently held abroad in countries such as Russia, Oman, India, and Dubai, awaiting repatriation.
Delivering a speech in Parliament on Thursday Minister Wijepala stated that a recent Police Special Task Force (STF) raid in Middeniya on September 6 led to the seizure of five live hand grenades, 17 rounds of T-56 assault rifle ammunition, two 12-bore shotgun rounds, and an empty magazine.
He further reported that from January to September 10, a total of 1,698 firearms had been confiscated nationwide, including 58 T-56 rifles, 61 pistols, 40 revolvers, 169 12-bore shotguns, 33 homemade flintlock guns, six repeaters, and 1,331 homemade firearms. Minister Wijepala emphasised that these measures are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to combat organised crime and curb the circulation of illegal weapons.
In the meantime, Mass Media and Health Minister Nalinda Jayatissa has called on the media to closely examine politicians who panicked during the arrest of Kehelbaddara Padme and his associates, saying it shows links between drugs and the underworld.
He claimed that many chemicals used to make crystal meth (Ice) were found on land owned by some politicians, confirmed by police statements. Minister Jayatissa warned that further political connections may come to light as the investigation continues and stressed that everyone including politicians, businessmen, and criminals will be held accountable under the law.
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!