NDLEA smashes Nigeria–Mexico meth syndicate, seizes drugs worth $362m in Ogun, Lagos raids

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled what it described as the largest and most sophisticated methamphetamine production network ever uncovered in Nigeria, arresting a cartel kingpin, three Mexican “meth cooks,” and six Nigerian collaborators in coordinated operations across Ogun and Lagos States.

The sweeping crackdown, carried out by the Agency’s elite Special Operations Unit (SOU), led to the discovery and shutdown of an industrial-scale clandestine laboratory concealed inside a remote forest in Ijebu area of Ogun State, alongside the seizure of 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at $362,922,000 (over N480 billion).

Speaking at a media briefing at NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Mohamed Buba Marwa, said the breakthrough followed months of painstaking intelligence gathering.

According to him, operatives launched simultaneous strikes within 48 hours in Ogun and Lagos States beginning Saturday, May 16, 2026.

The primary target was a farm located at Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State. Investigations revealed that the property was being used as a large-scale clandestine methamphetamine production facility by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO).\

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“Through a clinical, simultaneous operation executed by the elite operatives of our Special Operations Unit, we have successfully dismantled a sophisticated, transnational methamphetamine production syndicate run jointly by a Nigerian drug cartel and their Mexican counterparts,” Marwa said.

NDLEA operatives stormed the hidden laboratory in the forest, securing the perimeter and arresting seven key members of the cartel caught in the process of manufacturing illicit substances.

Among those apprehended were four Nigerians: Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 42; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38

Also arrested were three Mexican nationals allegedly brought into Nigeria specifically to produce methamphetamine: Martinez Felix Nemecto, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40; Torrero Juan Carlos, 51

Marwa said the presence of foreign nationals confirmed intelligence reports that local drug cartels are increasingly importing foreign technical expertise to establish industrial-scale drug laboratories in rural Nigerian communities.

Simultaneously, another NDLEA tactical team raided the residence of the alleged mastermind, Anochili Innocent, at No. 8 Tafawa Balewa Street, Golf Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.

The suspect was arrested at the property. A search of the premises reportedly led to the recovery of the international passports and mobile phones of the three Mexican nationals, directly linking him to their importation and operational management.

Follow-up operations on Monday, May 18, extended to another property owned by the suspect at House 70, Close 3, Mayfair Estate, Lakowe, Lekki, where another key cartel member, Kingsley Orike Omonughwa, 44, was arrested.

Investigators also raided the residence of another alleged syndicate member, Emeka Nwobum, whose home was reportedly used as a strategic stash house for the cartel.

The arrests bring the total number of suspects in custody to 10 — including the kingpin, three Mexican specialists, and six Nigerian collaborators.

Marwa disclosed that the Agency deployed its specialized Chemical and Forensic Team to test, weigh, and secure the recovered substances.

In total, operatives seized 2,419.48 kilograms of finished and liquid methamphetamine, as well as large quantities of precursor chemicals and industrial solvents used in drug production.

The NDLEA estimated the street value of the haul at $362,922,000 in the international market, equivalent to over N480 billion.

Also recovered were a Toyota Tacoma vehicle used for operations at the forest laboratory and a Toyota Highlander seized from the kingpin’s residence.

“To put this in perspective, the 2,419.48 kilograms of finished and liquid methamphetamine represents millions of street doses that would have flooded our local communities and international markets,” Marwa said, warning of the potential social and security consequences had the drugs gone undetected.

The NDLEA boss noted that the dismantling of the Anochili Innocent DTO comes shortly after the recent takedown of another high-profile trafficking network headed by Simon Amadi in a multi-country operation involving international law enforcement agencies.

He warned that Nigeria would no longer serve as a safe haven for transnational drug cartels.

“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. No matter how deep into the bush you hide or how secure your gated estate is, the NDLEA will hunt you down,” he declared.

Marwa commended the professionalism of the Agency’s Special Operations Unit and Chemical and Forensic Team, while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, especially unusual chemical odours or movements in remote areas.