News Today: Former SLPP local government member Sampath Manamperi detained over chemicals linked to Crystal Meth, boosting Sri Lanka’s narcotics crackdown.

Former SLPP Local Government member Sampath Manamperi, who surrendered to the Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court, has been ordered to be detained in the custody of the Police Narcotics Bureau (PNB) for seven days.

The order was issued by Walasmulla Magistrate Malsha Kodithuwakku, directing that Manamperi be held for questioning from September 17 to 23, 2025. He is a main suspect in a high-profile narcotics investigation involving the possession of chemicals used in the production of Crystal Meth (Ice).

The investigation follows the discovery of two containers of chemicals buried in a land in Thalawa, Middeniya, which authorities suspect were intended for large-scale Ice production. The Police Narcotics Bureau had been actively seeking Manamperi’s arrest in connection with the case.

Earlier, the Court of Appeal instructed the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to ensure Manamperi’s security upon his surrender and to inform investigating officers. On September 15, 2025, Manamperi’s attorney notified the Court of Appeal of his client’s willingness to surrender, leading to his court appearance yesterday.

The chemicals discovered in Middeniya are believed to be linked to underworld figures recently arrested in Indonesia and repatriated to Sri Lanka. Authorities suspect the network behind this operation extends internationally, further highlighting the growing challenge of cross-border drug trafficking.

The case has drawn significant public attention, as Manamperi’s political background has intensified debate on the intersection of politics and organized crime in Sri Lanka.

The Walasmulla Magistrate’s Court has scheduled the case to be recalled on September 24, 2025. Meanwhile, police investigations continue under tight security as the crackdown on narcotics and underworld networks escalates.