Authorities Confirm Methamphetamine in Tangalle Raid

COLOMBO (News 1st); The National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) has confirmed that the large stock of chemicals recently discovered in Netolpitiya, Tangalle, contains methamphetamine, commonly known as "Ice."

The confirmation follows detailed laboratory testing of samples obtained during the raid.

According to the NDDCB, the final report of the chemical analysis has been officially handed over to the Tangalle Police, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing investigation into suspected narcotics production operations in the region.

Authorities also revealed that a similar stock of suspicious chemicals found in Kadana is currently undergoing extensive testing.

The final report on that batch is expected to be released within the coming week.

The discoveries in Middeniya, Kadana, and Netolpitiya were made following intelligence gathered during interrogations of Backhoe Saman, a known organized crime figure currently in custody under a detention order.

Investigators believe the seized chemicals were intended for use in the production of synthetic drugs.

The first discovery was made on September 5 in Thorakolayaya, Middeniya, where a concealed stash of chemicals was unearthed from a private land.

Subsequent testing by the NDDCB confirmed that 17 out of 20 samples contained methamphetamine.