The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the dismantling of a Nigerian-Mexican drug network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. According to the agency, the operation was a result of several months of intelligence gathering and surveillance. The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.
Two suspects, 45-year-old Chukwu Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Monday, alias George, were arrested in connection with the operation of the laboratory. The NDLEA alleged that the suspects operated the facility in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City. The suspects were subsequently arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division.
The two suspects were charged with a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, the organisation, management and financing of a Drug Trafficking Organisation, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production, contrary to the NDLEA Act. They pleaded not guilty to the charges, after which Justice Segun-Bello scheduled the trial for October 21, 2026, following an application by the agency for an accelerated hearing.
The NDLEA said three other individuals were also named in the charge and are currently at large. Investigations by its Special Operations Unit revealed a sophisticated transnational operation involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects. Surveillance conducted between December 1 and 4, 2025, tracked Brown’s movements across Lagos, Enugu, and Anambra states before leading operatives to a compound in Obeagu.
A clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities was discovered at the location, equipped with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus. The facility was similar to other laboratories recently dismantled in Ogun, Oyo, and Ebonyi states. A search of the premises led to the recovery of large quantities of precursor chemicals, including 690 litres of methylamine, 1,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol, and 300 litres of hydrochloric acid.
The NDLEA also recovered 290 litres each of toluene and acetone, 400 litres of liquid sodium hydroxide, 125 kilogrammes of N-phenylacetamide, 414 kilogrammes of lead acetate, and 769.6 kilogrammes of tartaric acid, among other controlled substances. A related search of George’s family residence resulted in the recovery of eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators, and 11 kilogrammes of ephedrine.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to track down all fleeing suspects allegedly connected to the operation and ensure they face the law. The agency’s efforts aim to curb the production and distribution of illicit substances in Nigeria.
Key points
- The NDLEA dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine laboratory in Enugu State, arresting two suspects in connection with the operation.
- The laboratory was equipped with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus, capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities.
- The NDLEA recovered large quantities of precursor chemicals and other controlled substances from the premises and a related residence.
