The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said two suspected kingpins were arrested after months of intelligence and surveillance on the syndicate.
He said the suspects were allegedly operating the laboratory in partnership with a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City and had been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Enugu on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, financing and managing a drug trafficking organisation, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.
Justice Mabel Segun-Bello adjourned the trial until Oct. 21 following an application by the NDLEA for accelerated hearing. Three other suspects, including Rodriguez Villanueva, a suspected Mexican cartel member, remain at large.
NDLEA surveillance between Dec. 1 and Dec. 4, 2025, tracked the suspects across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states before leading operatives to the Obeagu compound.
The agency said the laboratory was equipped with improvised reactors and distillation equipment capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities.
A search of the premises recovered large quantities of precursor chemicals, 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 and 769.6kg of tartaric acid.
A related search at the residence of one of the suspects also recovered eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine.
NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa, said the agency would continue to track down fleeing suspects linked to the cartel and ensure they face the law.
He commended the officers involved and said intelligence-driven operations and international partnerships would continue to prevent Nigeria from becoming a haven for transnational drug cartels.
