NDLEA uncovers major methamphetamine network
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled a transnational methamphetamine production syndicate linked to a Nigerian drug cartel and Mexican collaborators.
The operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects.
In addition, operatives recovered illicit drugs and chemicals valued at more than N480bn.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), disclosed this during a media briefing on Wednesday in Abuja.
He described the operation as one of the agency’s biggest breakthroughs against drug trafficking.
Agency shuts down largest meth lab in Nigeria
Marwa said operatives from the Special Operations Unit uncovered and shut down what he described as the largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory ever discovered in Nigeria.
The hidden laboratory operated deep inside Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
According to him, the site was allegedly controlled by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organisation.
After months of intelligence gathering, NDLEA launched a coordinated operation in Ogun and Lagos states on May 16, 2026.
As a result, officers dismantled the production network and seized major illicit materials.
Mexican nationals, Nigerian suspects arrested
During the raid, NDLEA arrested seven members of the cartel at the forest laboratory.
Among them were three Mexican nationals allegedly brought into Nigeria to produce methamphetamine.
Marwa identified them as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos.
In addition, officers arrested four Nigerian suspects at the site.
They include Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor.
According to the agency, the syndicate operated on an industrial scale.
Therefore, officials described the network as a major threat to national security and public safety.
Alleged kingpin arrested in Lagos
A separate tactical team tracked and arrested the alleged kingpin, Anochili Innocent.
Operatives picked him up at his residence on Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.
Following the arrest, officers searched the property for additional evidence.
Marwa said the operation exposed a wider criminal structure involving local and foreign collaborators.
Furthermore, the seizure highlighted the growing complexity of drug manufacturing networks in Nigeria.
NDLEA intensifies crackdown on transnational cartels
Marwa said the agency remains committed to dismantling organised drug networks across the country.
He stressed that NDLEA will continue intelligence-driven operations against traffickers and illegal manufacturers.
As investigations continue, authorities are expected to track more suspects linked to the syndicate.
Meanwhile, the agency said the operation reinforces its broader fight against cross-border narcotics trafficking.
