The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to reject the bail applications of 10 suspects accused of operating a large-scale methamphetamine laboratory in a forest in Ogun State.

The defendants, comprising three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians, are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, illicit manufacture of controlled substances and possession of precursor chemicals.

The alleged laboratory was discovered in the Abidagba forest in Iloti Village, Ogun State, with the NDLEA estimating the value of the methamphetamine operation at about ₦480 billion.

During proceedings before Justice Akintayo Aluko, NDLEA prosecutor Abu Abdullahi argued that the international dimension of the alleged operation made the defendants a significant flight risk if granted bail.

The prosecution also opposed claims by the defence that the property had been established for legitimate agricultural activities, including livestock farming and commercial wine production.

According to the NDLEA, investigations and evidence recovered from the site indicated that the facility had been deliberately designed and equipped for the large-scale production of synthetic drugs.

The agency told the court that its operatives recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, alongside quantities of Propyl-2-Propanone (P2P), a chemical precursor used in the production of the drug.

The prosecution further argued that the involvement of three Mexican nationals allegedly serving as specialised “cooks” pointed to possible links with an international drug network.

The NDLEA maintained that it would rely on physical, documentary, forensic and laboratory evidence to establish its case against the defendants.

The agency also cited the seriousness of the charges and the possibility of lengthy prison sentences upon conviction as additional grounds for keeping the suspects in custody.

All 10 defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following arguments from both the prosecution and defence, Justice Aluko adjourned the case until September 2, 2026, when the court is expected to rule on the bail applications.

The alleged Ogun forest laboratory has been described by authorities as one of the largest illicit drug manufacturing facilities uncovered in the region.