September 6, 2025
A staggering 50,000 kilograms of chemical substances suspected to be used in the production of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ‘ice,’ were discovered during a police raid in the Middeniya area today (5).
The raid was carried out by the Western Province North Crimes Division of the Police Special Task Force (STF), following intelligence uncovered during the interrogation of underworld figure “Backhoe Saman.” The chemicals were found hidden inside a house in Thalawa, Middeniya, which had reportedly been used as a storage point.
According to police, the consignment had been imported by notorious underworld leader Kehelbaddara Padme, who was recently extradited from Indonesia along with Backhoe Saman. Investigations revealed that Padme had previously rented a house in Nuwara Eliya to manufacture ice, working alongside two Pakistani nationals.
The owner of the Middeniya house is said to have close ties with Backhoe Saman and is now on the run. Police also suspect the involvement of two brothers, Sampath Manampeiri and Piyal Manampeiri—the latter a former SLPP Pradeshiya Sabha member from Angunukolapelessa. Investigators believe the brothers concealed the chemicals at the Middeniya property using a boom truck after being tipped off about ongoing police operations.
Authorities estimate that the seized stock of chemicals could have been used to produce around 200 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, with a street value of approximately Rs. 2 billion.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and STF are continuing their investigations, while efforts are underway to track down the suspects who remain at large.
