The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel that was operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. According to NDLEA's Director, Media and Advocacy, Mr Femi Babafemi, the operation was a result of several months of intelligence and surveillance on the syndicate. The cartel was found to be operating in partnership with a notorious Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City, Mexico.
Investigations by a Special Operations Unit (SOU) of NDLEA revealed a sophisticated, transnational operation by the Nigerian-Mexican cartel. Surveillance activities by NDLEA between December 1 and December 4, 2025, tracked the suspect movements between Lagos, Enugu and Anambra States. This ultimately led operatives to a compound in Obeagu where a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities was uncovered.
The laboratory was found to be fitted with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus, mirroring similar facilities recently dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi. A search of the premises led to the recovery of vast quantities of precursor chemicals, including 690 litres of methylamine, 1,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol, and 300 litres of hydrochloric acid. Other chemicals recovered included toluene, acetone, liquid sodium hydroxide, N-phenylacetamide, lead acetate, and tartaric acid.
The NDLEA also recovered a haul consistent with a high-potency, P2P-based methamphetamine manufacturing operation. A related search of the second suspect's family residence yielded eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators, and 11 kilograms of ephedrine, further underscoring the scale of the cartel's operations. Two kingpins were arrested in connection with the operation of the meth lab.
The arrested kingpins were arraigned before Hon. Justice Mabel Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on a five-count charge. The charges border 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. The trial is scheduled for October 21, following an application by the Agency for an accelerated hearing.
The NDLEA chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, reaffirmed the agency's unwavering resolve to track down every fleeing suspect connected to the cartel, and ensure that they all face the full weight of the law. Marwa commended all NDLEA officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and doggedness in cracking yet another international drug syndicate.
Marwa described the Enugu lab bust as further proof that Nigeria would not be allowed to become a haven for transnational drug cartels. He warned that the agency's intelligence-driven operations and international partnerships would continue to close every loophole exploited by drug barons, whether local or foreign. The NDLEA boss reiterated his charge to all NDLEA personnel to sustain the momentum of relentless enforcement until the nation was rid of the scourge of illicit drug production and trafficking.
Key points
- The NDLEA dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Enugu State.
- The cartel was found to be operating in partnership with a notorious Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City, Mexico.
- The NDLEA recovered vast quantities of precursor chemicals and a haul consistent with a high-potency, P2P-based methamphetamine manufacturing operation.
