September 14, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have confirmed that a significant stockpile of chemicals recently uncovered in a remote area of Middeniya has been identified as precursor material commonly used in the illicit production of methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive synthetic drug.
The confirmation follows laboratory analysis conducted by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB), which submitted its detailed findings to the Crimes Division of the Western Province North late last week. The discovery is being treated as a major breakthrough in the ongoing effort to dismantle organised drug networks operating across the island.
The cache came to light on 5 September during questioning of a suspected underworld figure known by the alias “Backhoe Saman,” currently in custody. Acting on information extracted during interrogation, law enforcement officials were able to locate the concealed stock in a discreetly chosen plot of land in the Middeniya area—raising concerns about the scale and sophistication of the operation.
Subsequent searches, prompted by further intelligence, led authorities to additional suspected chemical stashes in Netolpitiya and Kandana. These materials are currently undergoing forensic examination, with detailed reports expected in the coming week. Investigators believe the three locations may have been part of a coordinated distribution network aimed at supporting large-scale drug manufacturing.
