By Oluwakemi Kindness
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled a suspected Nigerian-Mexican drug network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Enugu State.
The agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Thursday by its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi.
According to the NDLEA, two suspected kingpins, 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, also known as Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, alias George, were arrested over the alleged operation of the laboratory.
The agency said the suspects allegedly worked with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom it identified as a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City.
The NDLEA said its Special Operations Unit tracked the syndicate for several months before locating the suspected laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
It said surveillance between December 1 and 4, 2025, traced Brown’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states before operatives reached the compound where the laboratory was allegedly operating.
The two suspects have since been arraigned before Justice Mabel Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu on five counts, including alleged conspiracy, financing and management of a drug trafficking organisation and unlawful possession of chemicals used in methamphetamine production.
The court has fixed October 21, 2026, for trial following an application by the NDLEA for an accelerated hearing.
The agency said three other people named in the charges, Uchenna, alias Uche; Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu; and Villanueva — remain at large.
According to the NDLEA, operatives recovered large quantities of precursor chemicals from the suspected laboratory, including methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, toluene, acetone and sodium hydroxide.
The agency also said a search of George’s family residence produced eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11 kilogrammes of ephedrine.
Reacting to the operation, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the agency would continue to pursue suspects still at large and ensure that those linked to the case face prosecution.
Marwa said the operation demonstrated the agency’s efforts to prevent Nigeria from being used as a base for transnational drug networks.
He also commended the officers involved and directed personnel to sustain intelligence-led operations and international cooperation against illicit drug production and trafficking.
