The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has smashed a transnational drug syndicate operating a secret methamphetamine production facility in Ogun State, leading to the arrest of 10 suspects and the recovery of illicit substances and chemicals valued at over N480 billion.
The NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), made the announcement during a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, describing the facility as the largest methamphetamine laboratory ever discovered in the history of the country.
Marwa revealed that the laboratory was hidden deep within the Abidagba forest in the Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
It was operated by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organisation in partnership with Mexican cartel operatives.
Following months of intensive intelligence gathering, NDLEA agents executed synchronized raids across Lagos and Ogun states on May 16.
Seven suspects were caught directly at the forest facility, including three Mexican nationals identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos, along with four Nigerian collaborators.
The suspected kingpin of the cartel, Anochili Innocent, was subsequently apprehended at his home in the Lekki area of Lagos, while a follow-up operation led to the arrest of another associate, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa.
Marwa stated that the total number of arrests rose to 10 after tactical teams raided a secure stash house tied to the network.
During the operations, law enforcement officers recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine and essential precursor chemicals, carrying an estimated international market value of $362.9 million.
Several operational vehicles used by the syndicate were also confiscated.
The NDLEA boss issued a warning to international drug networks and their local partners, declaring that the agency will remain relentless in tracking down and neutralizing cartels attempting to establish manufacturing bases within Nigeria.