The alleged clandestine meth lab uncovered by the NDLEA in Enugu. Credit: NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled what it described as a Nigerian-Mexican drug network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, according to Channels TV.
The NDLEA said it arrested two suspects, 45-year-old Chukwu Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Monday, alias George, following months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to the agency, the suspects allegedly operated the laboratory in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom it identified as a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City.
Two Suspects Arraigned
The two suspects were arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, the organisation, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production.
The charges were brought under the NDLEA Act.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following an application by the agency for an accelerated hearing, Justice Segun-Bello adjourned the case to October 21, 2026, for trial.
The NDLEA said three other individuals were also named in the charge but remain at large.
Large Quantities of Chemicals Recovered
The agency said investigations by its Special Operations Unit uncovered what it described as a sophisticated transnational operation involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects.
According to the NDLEA, surveillance conducted between December 1 and 4, 2025, tracked Brown’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states before leading operatives to a compound in Obeagu.
A search of the premises allegedly uncovered a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities.
The agency said the facility was equipped with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus and was similar to other laboratories recently dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi states.
The NDLEA said operatives recovered large quantities of precursor chemicals from the facility, including:
- 690 litres of methylamine
- 1,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol
- 300 litres of hydrochloric acid
- 290 litres each of toluene and acetone
- 400 litres of liquid sodium hydroxide
- 125kg of N-phenylacetamide
- 414kg of lead acetate
- 769.6kg of tartaric acid
- Other controlled substances
A separate search of George’s family residence also allegedly led to the recovery of eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine.
Marwa Vows to Track Fleeing Suspects
Reacting to the operation, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), reaffirmed the agency’s determination to track down the suspects still at large and ensure that they face the law.
Marwa commended the officers involved for what he described as their professionalism and efforts in dismantling the alleged international drug network.
He said the discovery of the Enugu laboratory demonstrated the agency’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a base for transnational drug trafficking networks.
The NDLEA chairman also said the agency would continue to deploy intelligence-driven operations and international partnerships to tackle loopholes allegedly exploited by drug traffickers.
He urged NDLEA personnel to sustain enforcement efforts against illicit drug production and trafficking.
