September 04, Colombo (LNW): Authorities have uncovered a significant methamphetamine manufacturing operation in the highland city of Nuwara Eliya, believed to have been orchestrated by a well-known figure in Sri Lanka’s criminal underworld.
The suspect, identified as Mandinu Padmasiri — more commonly referred to by his alias Kehelbaddara Padme — is currently being held by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), who made the discovery during ongoing interrogations.
Padmasiri, who has long been associated with organised crime activities, is believed to have personally funded the illicit enterprise, reportedly investing over Rs. 4 million into establishing the facility. He is said to have discreetly rented a residential property in the Nuwara Eliya area to serve as a front for the production site, exploiting the region’s relative seclusion to avoid drawing attention from local authorities or residents.
Further investigative breakthroughs were made following sustained questioning, during which Padmasiri allegedly admitted to importing close to 2,000 kilograms of chemical precursors essential for manufacturing crystal meth — commonly referred to as “ice”.
These chemicals, brought into the country through undisclosed channels, were likely smuggled in over a period of time to avoid detection.
Law enforcement officials believe the operation was not a small-scale endeavour, but part of a larger, well-coordinated drug distribution network with links possibly extending beyond national borders.
Forensic teams and narcotics experts are now combing through the site to gather more evidence and assess the full scale of the operation.
