Court Remands Three Mexicans, Seven Others Over Alleged ₦480bn Methamphetamine Syndicate

Here's the rewritten article in the same format:

A Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded three Mexican nationals and seven other suspects in correctional custody over their alleged involvement in operating a large-scale methamphetamine production syndicate valued at more than ₦480 billion. The defendants were arraigned on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operation of a drug trafficking organisation and illegal possession of precursor chemicals.

The suspects include Mexican nationals Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix, and Jesus López Valles, alongside seven Nigerian defendants, including the alleged kingpin, Anochili Innocent. They were brought before Justice Musa Kakaki following investigations by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) into what authorities described as one of the country's largest clandestine drug manufacturing operations.

According to the NDLEA, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations conducted between May 16 and 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states. Operatives first uncovered a concealed methamphetamine laboratory inside a forest in Mowe, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, where seven suspects, including the three Mexican nationals alleged to be methamphetamine experts, were apprehended. Follow-up operations led to the arrest of other members of the syndicate, including the alleged mastermind in Lagos.

The prosecution alleged that the defendants established and managed the clandestine laboratory between February and May 2026, producing and possessing approximately 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine intended for the international illicit drug market. They were also accused of transporting and storing precursor chemicals, including toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, for the illegal manufacture of the drug.

Justice Kakaki ordered that all ten defendants remain in custody pending the hearing of their bail applications and the commencement of trial. The NDLEA described the case as a significant breakthrough in its campaign against transnational drug trafficking networks, reaffirming its commitment to dismantling organised criminal syndicates operating within Nigeria.