The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine production facility concealed within a forest in Oyo State, arresting a suspected Mexican drug specialist and four Nigerian accomplices in a major operation against an international drug syndicate.
The clandestine laboratory was discovered during a raid conducted by NDLEA operatives on June 17 at Tapa Village in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Among those arrested was 56-year-old Jose Villa Ochoa, a Mexican national allegedly brought into Nigeria to provide technical expertise for the production of methamphetamine. Four Nigerian suspects — Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi, and Ganiu Monsiu — were also taken into custody.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the agency’s fight against organised drug trafficking networks.
According to the NDLEA, the facility contained substantial quantities of precursor chemicals and industrial-grade equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. Forensic analysis conducted at the site confirmed the presence of the illicit drug, while all recovered materials and equipment have been secured as evidence.
The discovery comes less than a month after the agency dismantled another major methamphetamine laboratory hidden in a forest in neighbouring Ogun State, heightening concerns over efforts by drug cartels to establish the South-West as a centre for synthetic drug production.
Reacting to the development, Marwa issued a stern warning to criminal networks operating within and outside the country.
“Let the message go out clearly to all drug cartels, domestic and international, that Nigeria is not, and will never be, a safe haven for your illicit trade,” he said.
