The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled what it described as a Nigerian-Mexican drug network and uncovered a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The laboratory was discovered in Eziama community, Obeagu, following months of intelligence gathering and surveillance, according to an NDLEA statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi. The agency said two men were arrested in connection with the laboratory.
NDLEA alleged that the pair operated the facility in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom the agency identified as a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City. The two suspects were arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu on a five-count charge. The charges include conspiracy, organising, managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production. Both men pleaded not guilty.
Following an application by the NDLEA for an accelerated hearing, Justice Segun-Bello fixed October 21, 2026, for the trial. Three other individuals named in the charges are currently at large, according to the agency.
NDLEA Recovers Meth Production Chemicals
The NDLEA said its Special Operations Unit tracked Brown’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states between December 1 and 4, 2025, before operatives were led to the compound in Obeagu.
According to the agency, the site contained a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities. Investigators found improvised reactors and distillation equipment at the facility. The NDLEA said the laboratory was similar to others previously dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi states.
A search of the premises reportedly yielded large quantities of chemicals used in the production process. They included 690 litres of methylamine, 1,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol, 300 litres of hydrochloric acid, 290 litres each of toluene and acetone, and 400 litres of liquid sodium hydroxide.
Operatives also recovered 125kg of N-phenylacetamide, 414kg of lead acetate and 769.6kg of tartaric acid, alongside other controlled substances.
A separate search of George’s family residence led to the recovery of eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine, the agency said.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved in the operation and said the agency would continue efforts to locate suspects who remain at large. Marwa said the discovery demonstrated the agency’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a base for transnational drug networks.
He also pledged continued intelligence-led operations and international cooperation to disrupt drug trafficking and illicit drug production across the country.
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