NDLEA Dismantles Multi-Billion-Naira Meth Lab, Arrests Mexican National, Four Nigerians

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a large-scale methamphetamine production facility and arrested a Mexican national alongside four Nigerians in a major operation targeting an international drug syndicate.

The agency said the laboratory, described as one of the largest ever discovered in the country, was located in a secluded area and had been used for the large-scale production of methamphetamine. The operation followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance by NDLEA operatives.

According to NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the raid exposed a sophisticated criminal network involving both Nigerian and foreign collaborators. He stated that the syndicate was engaged not only in drug trafficking but also in the local manufacture of illicit substances, posing significant risks to public health and national security.

During the operation, officers recovered large quantities of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at several hundred billion naira on the international market. The agency also seized vehicles and other items believed to have been used in the illegal operation.

NDLEA said investigations are continuing to identify additional members of the network and uncover the full extent of its activities. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling drug cartels operating within the country and strengthening collaboration with international partners in the fight against organised crime.

The arrests come amid growing concerns over the involvement of foreign criminal groups in illicit drug production across parts of West Africa, a trend security experts say requires stronger regional cooperation and intelligence sharing.