The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled a major transnational drug syndicate operating between Nigerian and Mexican collaborators, arresting a suspected drug baron, three Mexican nationals and six other suspects during coordinated operations in Ogun and Lagos states.
Speaking at a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said the operation led to the discovery and shutdown of what he described as the largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory ever uncovered in Nigeria.
According to Marwa, the operation was carried out by operatives of the agency’s Special Operations Unit after months of intelligence gathering. He said simultaneous raids were conducted on Saturday, May 16, in Ogun and Lagos states.
He explained that the primary target was a remote farm located in Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, allegedly being used by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organisation for the production of methamphetamine.
Marwa disclosed that operatives stormed the laboratory and arrested seven suspects, including three Mexican nationals allegedly brought into Nigeria to manufacture methamphetamine.
The arrested Nigerians were identified as Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, while the Mexican suspects were named as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles and Torrero Juan Carlos.
The NDLEA boss said another tactical team simultaneously raided the Lekki residence of the alleged kingpin, Anochili Innocent, located at Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lagos, where he was arrested.
According to him, a search of the residence led to the recovery of international passports and mobile phones belonging to the three Mexican suspects, which investigators said linked the suspect to the recruitment and importation of the foreign experts.
Marwa added that follow-up operations on Monday, May 18, led to the arrest of another suspect, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, at a property in Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, while investigators also raided the residence of another alleged syndicate member, Emeka Nwobum, said to have served as the cartel’s stash house.
He said the arrests brought the total number of suspects in custody to 10, comprising the alleged kingpin, three Mexican nationals and six Nigerian collaborators.
The NDLEA chairman further revealed that the agency recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of chemical substances, including crystallised and liquid methamphetamine, precursor chemicals and industrial solvents.
He estimated the street value of the seizure at 362.9 million dollars, equivalent to over N480 billion.
Marwa said the agency also recovered a Toyota Tacoma vehicle allegedly used for operations at the laboratory and a Toyota Highlander linked to the cartel leader.
Describing the seizure as a major breakthrough against organised drug crime, he warned that Nigeria had become a hostile environment for drug cartels and traffickers.
“We are fully aware of the shifting tactics of these cartels, including the disturbing trend of hiring South American cartel specialists to set up production factories in our rural communities,” he said.
He assured that the agency would continue to track and dismantle drug networks across the country, regardless of their locations.
Marwa also commended the bravery and professionalism of the NDLEA operatives and forensic team involved in the operation, while urging Nigerians to report suspicious activities in their communities, especially unusual chemical odours and movements around isolated locations.
