The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a massive methamphetamine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Ogun State, recovering drugs and chemical materials valued at more than N480 billion.
Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency said the operation targeted an industrial-scale methamphetamine production syndicate allegedly run by a Nigerian drug cartel in collaboration with Mexican drug experts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said operatives recovered over 2.4 tonnes of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals estimated at $362.9 million in the international market.
According to the agency, the clandestine laboratory was concealed inside Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area and operated by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organisation.
Babafemi said the raid followed months of intelligence gathering and culminated in coordinated operations carried out simultaneously in Ogun and Lagos states on May 16.
He said another tactical team stormed a residence in the Lakowe area of Lekki, Lagos, where the alleged mastermind, identified as Anochili Innocent, was arrested.
NDLEA said three Mexican nationals allegedly recruited to produce methamphetamine were arrested during the operation. They were identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos.
Four Nigerian suspects arrested at the forest laboratory were named as Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor.
The agency added that another suspect, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, was later arrested at a property linked to the alleged cartel leader in Lekki, while operatives also raided the residence of another syndicate member, Emeka Nwobum, said to be used as a stash house.
NDLEA said a total of 10 suspects are now in custody, including the alleged kingpin, three Mexican nationals and six Nigerian collaborators.
Babafemi said operatives recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of finished and liquid methamphetamine, toxic precursor chemicals and industrial solvents during the operation.
The agency also seized a Toyota Tacoma allegedly used at the forest laboratory and a Toyota Highlander linked to the suspected cartel leader.
