Based on information revealed by “Bako Saman,” a notorious criminal deported from Indonesia, investigations were conducted by officers from the Western Province Northern Division Crime Division. As a result, a suspicious white crystalline substance and powder found at two locations in Middeniya were tested by the Government Analyst, who confirmed they contained methamphetamine (commonly known as Ice) and talc (a mineral powder).
The report was officially submitted to the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court on the 15th of this month, signed by the Government Analyst.
Speaking at a press briefing on the 20th, Police Media Spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) and Attorney-at-Law Udaya Kumar Wuttler confirmed that the substance discovered in Middeniya was indeed “Ice,” according to the Government Analyst’s report.
These substances were found on land in Middeniya, Thalawa, and Kariyamaditta allegedly linked to Sampath Manamperi, a recent candidate for the Agunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha (local government) representing the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP). The discovery was made on the 6th of this month based on information revealed during the investigation of two suspicious containers shipped from Iran to Sri Lanka, connected to Bako Saman.
These containers, which arrived late last year, were flagged by international intelligence as potentially carrying narcotics. They were subjected to stringent checks by the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) and Sri Lanka Customs, and were released only after confirming they did not contain illegal drugs. Customs officials had reported the containers held only talc, a non-narcotic mineral substance.
Once cleared, the containers were released on January 27 and transported to Middeniya. Responsibility for their safekeeping was reportedly given to Sampath Manamperi, identified as a political figure by the investigating officers.
Subsequent investigations revealed that the white talc powder from the containers was buried on Manamperi’s land in Middeniya after he allegedly disappeared. Some of the material was also found at another nearby location.
Following these revelations, officers from the Western Province Northern Division Crime Division located and recovered both the containers and the buried substances. These sites were first examined by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board’s laboratory, which took 20 samples—of which 5 tested positive for methamphetamine (Ice). The rest were recommended for further lab analysis.
After additional laboratory testing, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board confirmed that 17 out of the 20 samples contained methamphetamine (Ice).
Later, Government Analysts also collected samples from both locations and conducted their own testing. The official report, submitted to the Walasmulla Magistrate on the 15th, confirmed that both Ice and talc were present.
Although the containers had originally been declared to contain only talc when shipped from Iran, both the Police Narcotics Bureau and Customs now acknowledge that methamphetamine (Ice) was also present. Investigations are ongoing, and it is confirmed that the samples were re-tested with official narcotics identification equipment.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has also launched a special investigation into how the containers—initially declared drug-free—were later found to contain Ice.
Responsibility for the ongoing investigation into the drugs found in Middeniya has now been handed over to the Police Narcotics Bureau. The Government Analyst’s report confirms only Ice and talc were present, with no other substances detected.
It is emphasized that Ice (methamphetamine) is a final, chemically synthesized narcotic product.
In a separate development, police in Kandana also discovered similar white crystals and powder. Samples have been sent to the Government Analyst, but results are still pending.
The quantity found in the Iranian containers was massive—40 barrels total, 20 in each container. It has been revealed that 6 barrels were transported by truck to Nuwara Eliya, and from there, in August, taken to a house in Kandana.
The Kandana residence had been rented by a man from Mattakkuliya, who was living there with his wife and child. On September 5, the tenant disappeared, leaving behind white crystal lumps hidden inside flowerpots in the garden, while the powder had been discarded into a nearby paddy field. These discoveries were made by the Kalutara Division Crime Investigation Unit, based on information extracted during questioning of an arrested associate of a suspect named Nilanga from Panadura, who had been brought back to Sri Lanka from Indonesia.
Following extended investigations, the Kalutara officers also arrested several others. They raided a house in Hambantota suspected to be used for meth production, where they found 6 containers of chemicals and related equipment believed to be used in the manufacturing of Ice.
Although no meth was found at that specific site, the necessary production equipment was present. The arrested suspects have confessed to manufacturing and selling meth at that location.
Police confirm that investigations into the entire network are currently ongoing.
– Gayan Kumara Weerasinghe, for Dinamina
