Police have raided what they describe as a factory used by an underworld gang, including Kehelbaddara Padme, Kudu Nilanga from Panadura, and Backhoe Saman, in collaboration with Iranian nationals, to produce crystal meth (ICE) in Hambantota. Chemicals, equipment, and other items, reportedly used in meth production was seized, a senior police officer said.
Acting on information obtained during questioning of Backhoe Saman, the Embilipitiya Crimes Division arrested an underworld character known as Kaluthara Suranga. The tip-off led police to a holiday bungalow at Mayurapura, in Hambantota, where the ‘ice’ manufacturing operation was discovered.
During the raid, officers found 14 cans, 52 litres of chemicals, believed to be precursors, along with equipment. A vehicle found at the bungalow, registered in the name of an underworld leader, currently abroad, was also taken into custody. Investigations revealed that a criminal known as Kudu Nilanga, now in CID custody, had supplied the vehicle for transporting ‘ice’.
Police sources said that two Iranian nationals, experts in drug production, had been involved in setting up the factory but had since reportedly left the country.
Authorities said investigations were ongoing to track the distribution network of the ‘ice’ produced there and apprehend several other individuals connected to the large-scale narcotic operation.
By Norman Palihawadane and Hemantha Randunu
