A Federal High Court will on Friday rule on an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking permission to destroy a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory valued at about ₦480 billion.
According to the NDLEA, operatives uncovered the facility along with equipment and chemicals allegedly used to manufacture 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine intended for export.
During the trial, an NDLEA forensic expert told the court that scientific analysis confirmed the recovered substances were linked to methamphetamine production. He explained how chemicals such as alcohol and hydrochloric acid were used in the manufacturing process.
The witness also presented exhibits relating to the equipment and chemicals recovered from the laboratory. An inventory of the items had already been admitted into evidence by the court.
NDLEA prosecuting counsel, Adekunle Adebanjo, urged the court to consider the agency’s pending application to destroy the facility. However, defence counsel led by Benson Ndakara challenged parts of the prosecution’s evidence and objected to some exhibits tendered.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Musa Kakaki adjourned the matter until July 24.
The decision will determine the immediate fate of the alleged methamphetamine laboratory. The agency described it as a major production hub for drugs reportedly destined for markets outside Nigeria.
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