NDLEA uncovers industrial scale meth lab in Ebonyi, arrests suspected Mexican drug kingpin

By Ogundele Eniola

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has dismantled another suspected industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Ebonyi State and arrested Mexican national Arturo Carrera Loaiza, whom the agency describes as an alleged key figure in a transnational drug network. He was arrested on August 19 at Lagos airport while allegedly attempting to leave Nigeria.

READ ALSO; NDLEA arrests suspected Mexican meth kingpin, dismantles industrial lab in Ebonyi

What makes this story especially strong is the international-crime angle. NDLEA says the investigation links the Ebonyi operation to earlier clandestine laboratories and arrests involving Mexican nationals and Nigerians in Ogun and Oyo States. Investigators reportedly traced a property in Ebonyi through photographs and location data, while CCTV footage allegedly showed a foreign national wearing a laboratory coat and the movement of chemicals and equipment.

Authorities say the subsequent raid recovered methamphetamine-related materials and substantial quantities of chemicals, including 442.8kg of acetone, 37.1kg of toluene and 31.5kg of hydrochloric acid, as well as dehydrators, condensers and other laboratory equipment. One dehydrator reportedly contained material identified as methamphetamine.

Importantly, Loaiza denies involvement in methamphetamine production, according to the NDLEA account, saying he came to Nigeria for a restaurant business. His alleged role therefore remains a matter for investigation and the courts, rather than an established fact.