Massive ICE Drug Operation Uncovered: Links to Political Figures and International Syndicate Exposed

 A sprawling and highly organized narcotics operation, allegedly led by underworld kingpin Manudinu Padmasiri Perera, better known by his alias Kehelbaddara Padme, has been exposed by Sri Lankan law enforcement authorities, sending shockwaves through political and criminal circles alike.

The syndicate is believed to have manufactured large quantities of crystal methamphetamine, commonly known as ICE, in a clandestine laboratory in Nuwara Eliya, distributing the potent drug across the island.

Large-Scale Chemical Seizures

The scale of the operation came to light following the seizure of nearly 50,000 kilograms of precursor chemicals, found buried at properties in Middeniya Thalawa and Netolpitiya, Tangalle, by the Peliyagoda Crimes Division. These chemicals, according to investigators, were intended for the large-scale manufacture of ICE and are believed to have been imported from Iran.

Police say the logistics of transporting these chemicals were coordinated by “Backhoe Saman”, a known associate of Padme, with critical assistance from former SLPP Pradeshiya Sabha member Sampath Manampeiri and his brother Piyal Manampeiri.

CCTV footage shows the brothers transporting chemicals via tractor on September 1 to the Middeniya property, where the substances were buried using a backhoe. Piyal Manampeiri has since been arrested, while Sampath remains at large.

In a further development, another significant chemical cache was unearthed on September 7 at an abandoned property in Netolpitiya, Tangalle.

International and Underworld Ties

Law enforcement sources confirmed that the chemical shipments originated in Iran, allegedly arranged by Padme with support from notorious underworld figure “Kudu Nilangda” of Panadura. The chemicals were brought into Sri Lanka in two containers, which mysteriously evaded customs scrutiny,prompting a separate CID investigation.

Opposition politicians have accused the Government of facilitating the import via green-channeling at the customs in January 2025, a claim police strongly deny. ASP F.U. Wootler, Police Spokesperson, stated that the container numbers identified by CID do not match any such allegations and reaffirmed the department’s commitment to a non-partisan investigation.

Weapons Cache and Failed Expansion

During the raid at the Middeniya site, police discovered a stash of five hand grenades, 18 rounds of T-56 ammunition, and several 12-bore cartridges. Authorities believe up to seven automatic firearms may have also been hidden at the site, possibly removed by Sampath Manampeiri before his disappearance.

Police sources revealed that the group made multiple attempts to scale up production to meet soaring demand but consistently failed, leading to stockpiling of precursor chemicals for future use. After Padme’s arrest in Indonesia, the Manampeiri brothers are believed to have panicked and attempted to dispose of the chemical stockpile.

Both Padme and Backhoe Saman are now in Indonesian custody, with international cooperation expected for extradition proceedings.

Political Fallout and Party Response

In a significant political development, Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) National Organiser and MP Namal Rajapaksa announced that the party had suspended the membership of a local government candidate linked to the chemical seizure.

“The Government and Police have made statements centered around our party regarding this individual,” Rajapaksa said. “An investigation is currently underway.”

He further stated that the SLPP would fully cooperate with an impartial inquiry, urging the Government to avoid politicising the issue. “Our party has always enforced strict discipline. Any member acting outside the law will face consequences,” he added.

Ongoing Investigation

The investigation is being conducted under the direct supervision of Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasooriya, successor to former IGP C.D. Wickramaratne. The probe is led by Peliyagoda Crimes Division Director Rohan Olugala, with Chief Inspector Linton Silva and his team on the ground.

All recovered chemical samples are now being weighed and analyzed by the Government Analyst and the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, as authorities work to determine the full extent of the operation.

This investigation, possibly one of the most significant in recent Sri Lankan history, has laid bare the dangerous convergence of organized crime, politics, and international smuggling networks. As the search for missing suspects continues, authorities warn that more arrests and revelations may follow.