The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled an alleged Nigerian-Mexican drug network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The agency said it arrested two suspects, 45-year-old Chukwu Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Monday, alias George, in connection with the operation.
According to the NDLEA, the suspects allegedly operated the laboratory in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom the agency identified as a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City.
The arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the agency’s Special Operations Unit.
The two suspects were arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, organising, managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges. Following an application by the NDLEA for an accelerated hearing, Justice Segun-Bello fixed October 21, 2026, for trial.
The agency said three other suspects named in the charges were still at large.
The NDLEA said investigations revealed a sophisticated transnational operation involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects.
It said surveillance conducted between December 1 and 4, 2025, tracked Brown’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states before leading operatives to a compound in Obeagu.
According to the agency, operatives discovered a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities, equipped with improvised reactors and distillation equipment.
The NDLEA said the facility was similar to laboratories previously dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi states.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of 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, among other controlled substances.
The agency added that a search of George’s family residence resulted in the recovery of eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine.
Reacting to the operation, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), said the agency would continue efforts to apprehend suspects still at large and ensure they face prosecution.
Marwa commended the officers involved for their professionalism and the operation’s role in disrupting the alleged international drug network.
He said the discovery of the laboratory demonstrated the agency’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a base for transnational drug trafficking operations.
The NDLEA chairman also said the agency would continue to use intelligence-led operations and international partnerships to disrupt drug trafficking networks and prevent the illicit production of controlled substances.
