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NDLEA Dismantles Nigerian–Mexican Meth Cartel, Recovers ₦480 Billion Drugs in Ogun Forest Lab

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Promise Odejide

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The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a major transnational methamphetamine production syndicate involving Nigerian and Mexican nationals in Ogun State.

The operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects, including three Mexican drug “chemists” and the alleged Nigerian kingpin of the cartel.

Forest meth lab uncovered in Ogun

According to NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the clandestine laboratory was discovered inside Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The agency said the site was being used for large-scale production of methamphetamine disguised as a farm settlement.

₦480 billion worth of drugs recovered

Marwa disclosed that operatives recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of chemical substances and finished meth products from the lab.

He said the seized drugs have an estimated street value of about ₦480 billion in the international market.

“The network did not just traffic drugs; they were actively manufacturing industrial-scale quantities of highly lethal illicit substances right on our soil,” Marwa said.

10 suspects arrested, including Mexicans

Those arrested include the alleged cartel leader, Anochili Innocent, alongside six Nigerian collaborators and three Mexican nationals reportedly brought in as technical experts.

The Mexican suspects were identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos.

Other Nigerian suspects include Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, and Kingsley Orike Omonughwa.

Lagos luxury estate linked to cartel boss

NDLEA operatives also reportedly stormed properties linked to the kingpin in Lagos, including a luxury residence in Lakowe, Lekki.

The agency said international passports and mobile phones of the Mexican suspects were recovered from the suspect’s residence, linking him directly to their operations.

Coordinated intelligence operation

Marwa said the raid was executed by the agency’s Special Operations Unit after months of intelligence gathering.

He added that simultaneous operations were carried out across Ogun and Lagos States within 48 hours.

NDLEA warns drug cartels

The NDLEA boss warned drug traffickers that Nigeria remains hostile territory for illicit drug production and distribution.

He also urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities, including unusual chemical smells or movements in rural communities.

“This war is for the soul of our nation, and we will not back down until we achieve a drug-free Nigeria,” he said.

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