Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have struck yet another decisive blow against transnational drug syndicates following the discovery and dismantling of a fortified, industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Oyo state.
The laboratory is operated by a Nigerian-Mexican cartel deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State.
Speaking on the development on Wednesday in Abuja, the NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, commended the gallantry, dedication, and clinical professionalism of the officers involved in the operation.
Marwa who was represented by the NDLEA, Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi said that the breakthrough came barely four weeks after the agency dismantled a similar massive meth laboratory in a forest in Ijebu East, Ogun State.
This, he said signaled a desperate attempt by drug barons to turn the Southwest axis into a synthetic drug manufacturing hub.
“On June 17, tactical operatives of the NDLEA stormed a highly fortified, industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operating deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State.
“This was not a rudimentary setup; it was a sophisticated, highly organized transnational syndicate.
“During the raid, our operatives successfully arrested five key members of the cartel on-site.
“They include a 56-year-old Mexican Methamphetamine expert brought in specifically to provide the technical expertise for large-scale synthesis and four Nigerian collaborators providing logistical support, cover, and local operations,”he said.
Marwa said that the arrest of a foreign cartel specialist on Nigerian soil underscored the transnational nature of the threat.
He said that more importantly, it underscored the Agency’s world-class intelligence capability to track, intercept, and neutralize them.
