42,000 Kilograms of Chemicals for Ice Production Seized in Mittheniya

07-Sep-2025

.

Police confirmed through chemical tests that substances recovered in the Mittheniya area contained components used to manufacture ice (crystal meth) and methamphetamine. The recovered quantity was about 42,000 kilograms.

Authorities stated the chemicals were linked to Padme Kahelpathar, who is suspected of organizing large-scale drug production operations. A member of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) was arrested in connection with the case and handed over to the Western Province North Crime Division for further questioning.

Earlier, Padme Kahelpathar, also known as Peko Saman, along with four others including an ex-commando named Salindu, had been arrested in Indonesia and later brought back to Sri Lanka. They are currently being held under a special detention order while the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Western Province North Crime Division carry out investigations.

Preliminary investigations revealed that Padme rented a house in Nuwara Eliya, where two Pakistani nationals were brought to help manufacture ice drugs. During questioning, Peko Saman confirmed this arrangement.

Later, police discovered that Padme had imported two large containers carrying chemicals for drug production with the help of a Pakistani associate. These containers were secretly buried in the Talaha area of Mittheniya. 

The place where the chemicals were hidden belonged to two brothers, one a former SLPP local council member. Police said the suspects were preparing to permanently seal the area with concrete when it was discovered.

Chemical analysis confirmed that the seized substances contained the core ingredients for ice and methamphetamine production.