Former Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Angunukolapelessa Pradeshiya Sabha member Piyal Manamperi has been arrested in connection with the recent recovery of chemicals allegedly used to manufacture ‘Ice’ (crystal methamphetamine) at Middeniya, police said.

An investigation has been launched to determine how containers of chemicals used in the production of crystal methamphetamine (ice) in Sri Lanka, reportedly for a facility funded by organised crime leader Mandinu Padmasiri Perera, alias Kehelbaddara Padme, were released from the Port and Sri Lanka Customs. Reports indicate that the containers were disguised as essential ceramics.

On Friday, the Western Province North Crime Range Division discovered 50,000 kg of chemicals, reportedly imported from Iran or Pakistan, stored on land owned by the brother of a provincial politician.