September 07, Colombo (LNW): In a significant breakthrough linked to an ongoing investigation into illegal narcotics activity, police have discovered a hidden cache of explosives and ammunition at a rural property in Middeniya Thalawa, Hambantota.
The site, previously under scrutiny for the presence of chemicals believed to be used in the production of methamphetamine, has now yielded further evidence pointing to possible links with organised crime or paramilitary activity.
The discovery was made during a joint operation involving officers from the Western Province North Crimes Division and the elite Special Task Force (STF). Acting on intelligence gathered during earlier raids, the team combed through a section of agricultural land adjacent to a manioc plantation, where they uncovered a recently disturbed patch of soil.
Buried within the site was a sealed container holding five hand grenades believed to be of foreign origin, along with 17 rounds of T-56 assault rifle ammunition and three 12-bore shotgun cartridges. Forensic teams have since secured the materials for further analysis, and bomb disposal experts were called in to ensure safe handling and transportation of the explosives.
