The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel allegedly operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The agency said it arrested two alleged kingpins identified as Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, also known as Brown, and Chukwu Georginus Monday, alias George, during the operation.
According to the NDLEA, the syndicate was linked to Rodriguez Villanueva, a Mexican cartel member based in Mexico City.
The agency also identified two other suspects, Uchenna, alias Uche, and Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu, who were listed in the charge but remain at large.
The two arrested suspects were arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, organisation, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursor chemicals.
Their trial has been adjourned until October 21, 2026.
The NDLEA said the clandestine laboratory was uncovered following surveillance operations conducted across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states.
According to the agency, the facility contained improvised reactors and distillation equipment capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities.
The agency said its operatives recovered large quantities of chemicals and controlled substances, including 690 litres of methylamine, 1,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol, 300 litres of hydrochloric acid, 290 litres each of toluene and acetone, 400 litres of liquid sodium hydroxide, 125kg of N-phenylacetamide, 414kg of lead acetate and 769.6kg of tartaric acid.
A search of George’s residence also reportedly led to the recovery of eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine.
NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Marwa, commended the officers involved in the operation and said the development demonstrated Nigeria’s efforts to prevent transnational drug cartels from establishing operations in the country.
Marwa directed that other suspects allegedly linked to the cartel who remain at large should be tracked down and brought before the law.
He also said the agency would continue to rely on intelligence-driven operations and international cooperation to combat illicit drug production and trafficking.
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