NDLEA Busts Nigerian-Mexican Meth Syndicate, Seizes Drugs Worth ₦480bn In Ogun Forest

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled a major Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicate operating from a secret laboratory hidden inside a forest in Ogun State.

The agency disclosed on Wednesday that the operation, carried out by its Special Operations Unit (SOU), resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects, including the alleged kingpin, three Mexican nationals, and six Nigerian accomplices.

According to the NDLEA, operatives also recovered methamphetamine and chemical substances estimated to be worth over ₦480 billion.

Speaking during a media briefing in Abuja, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Buba Marwa said the breakthrough came after months of intelligence gathering and coordinated raids conducted across Ogun and Lagos states within 48 hours.

Marwa described the syndicate as a sophisticated transnational drug cartel jointly operated by Nigerian traffickers and their Mexican partners.

“Today, I am proud to announce that the NDLEA has struck another crippling blow to the heart of transnational organised crime,” he stated.

He explained that the cartel operated a large-scale methamphetamine production facility concealed inside Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

According to him, the forest site was disguised as a regular farm while serving as a dangerous clandestine laboratory used for manufacturing illicit drugs on an industrial scale.

Marwa noted that operatives stormed the facility on May 16, catching members of the cartel while processing narcotics.

He further revealed that another tactical team simultaneously raided the Lekki residence of the alleged syndicate leader, identified as Anochili Innocent, leading to his arrest.

The NDLEA boss said the suspect was apprehended at his residence located at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos State.

A search conducted at the property reportedly led to the recovery of passports and mobile phones belonging to the arrested Mexican nationals, linking the suspect to their entry and operations in Nigeria.

Follow-up operations also led to the arrest of another suspect at a separate property in Lekki, while operatives uncovered a stash house connected to another cartel member.

Marwa disclosed that the operation led to the seizure of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at about $362.9 million on the international market.

He warned that the NDLEA would continue intensifying efforts against drug cartels and foreign collaborators operating within the country.

“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 warned.

The NDLEA chairman also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities in their communities, noting that the Ogun forest laboratory successfully operated under the cover of a normal agricultural settlement.