Former local councilor of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP), Piyal Manamperi, has been taken into custody in connection with the discovery of approximately 50,000 kilograms of chemicals suspected to be used in the production of the illicit drug “Ice” (crystal methamphetamine).
The massive stockpile of chemicals was uncovered during a raid conducted yesterday (September 5) by the Crimes Investigation Division of the North Western Province, in a house located in the Middeniya-Thalawa area.
Following the arrest, the SLPP has immediately taken action to suspend the party membership of Sampath Manamperi, the brother of Piyal Manamperi, who is also reportedly linked to the case.
According to police, the chemicals were traced during the interrogation of a suspect identified as Bako Saman, who is currently in custody of the North Western Crimes Investigation Division.
Investigations have also revealed that a person named Kehelbaddara Padme was responsible for importing the chemical substances into the country, allegedly for the purpose of manufacturing Ice.
Police further stated that the former SLPP local government representative and his brother are believed to have concealed the chemicals in question.
Further investigations are ongoing.
