Minister of Public Security Ananda Wijepala has revealed that police investigations have uncovered a factory producing Crystal Methamphetamine (ICE) in Nuwara Eliya.

According to the Minister, underworld figure Mandinu Padmasiri, also known as ‘Kehelbaddara Padme,’ invested over Rs. 4 million in the operation, which was run out of a rented house. 

Over 2,000 kg of chemicals were reportedly imported for the purpose of producing the drug in Sri Lanka.

Wijepala noted that the ongoing probe has also uncovered links between these underworld figures and politicians, police officers, and immigration officials, and that in-depth investigations are underway to confirm these connections.