Massive Meth Lab Network Busted in Southern Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lankan police have uncovered multiple stockpiles of chemicals believed to be used in the production of methamphetamine (commonly known as "Ice"), across several locations in the Southern Province.

The initial discovery was made in Middeniya, where a large quantity of suspicious chemicals was found buried on a private property.

In the latest discovery, a large quantity of chemicals suspected to be used in the production of methamphetamine has been discovered on a property in the Kadana area, following a similar find in Middeniya.

Police stated that the chemicals were found hidden among flower plants on the property, and investigations into the discovery are currently underway.

The breakthrough came after interrogations of Backhoe Saman, a known organized criminal currently in custody. Based on information he provided, police recovered a stockpile of chemicals buried on a property in Middeniya, believed to be used in meth production. The materials were handed over to the Middeniya Police on Sunday night by officers from the Special Task Force (STF).

On Friday, police uncovered approximately 50,000 kilograms of chemicals from a property in Middeniya Thalawa.

That same day, another stash was found about 1.5 kilometers away, near the Kaluwagahayaya public cemetery, hidden in surrounding shrubbery.

Authorities suspect that both stockpiles were transported by the same group.

Further searches of the Middeniya property on Saturday afternoon led to the discovery of five foreign-made hand grenades and 18 T56 assault rifle bullets.

The STF conducted a special search operation at the site on Sunday, and the grenades are scheduled to be safely detonated today.

Meanwhile, another stockpile of chemicals believed to be used in meth production was discovered on Sunday in the Netolpitiya Weliwenna area of Tangalle.

The chemicals were found on a plot of land belonging to the Sri Lanka Navy, located about 200 meters off the main road along the Tangalle Wadigala Weliwenna bypass.

The seized chemicals are being quantified, and samples will be sent to the Government Analyst’s Department for further investigation.

Police confirmed that details of the Tangalle discovery will be reported to the Tangalle Magistrate’s Court on Monday (8).

Additionally, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board has already submitted its report on the chemicals found in Middeniya, confirming they are used in methamphetamine production.

A separate report from the Government Analyst is also expected.

In connection with the case, a suspect — the brother of Sampath Manamperi, a former member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) — has been arrested.

The Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court has granted permission to detain him for seven days for further questioning.

He was presented before the court on Sunday (7) afternoon.