National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested three Mexican nationals and several Nigerian suspects after dismantling a massive methamphetamine laboratory hidden inside a forest in Ogun State.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said operatives recovered more than 2.4 tonnes of methamphetamine and chemical substances valued at over $362 million, estimated at more than N480 billion in the international market.
According to the agency, the industrial-scale meth laboratory was located in the Abidagba forest area of Ijebu East Local Government Area and was allegedly operated by a Nigerian drug cartel in collaboration with Mexican methamphetamine experts.
Babafemi said the operation followed months of intelligence gathering and involved coordinated raids carried out in Ogun and Lagos states on May 16.
The NDLEA also arrested the alleged cartel leader, identified as Anochili Innocent, during a separate operation at a residence in the Lakowe area of Lekki, Lagos.
The arrested Mexican nationals were identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus López Valles and Torrero Juan Carlos, while several Nigerian collaborators were also taken into custody.
The agency said the total number of suspects arrested has risen to 10, including the alleged kingpin, the three Mexicans and six Nigerian accomplices.
NDLEA added that operatives recovered finished and liquid methamphetamine, precursor chemicals, industrial solvents, and vehicles allegedly used for the cartel’s operations.
