The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled what it described as a Nigerian-Mexican drug network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The agency disclosed this in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.

According to the NDLEA, two suspects, 45-year-old Chukwu Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Monday, alias George, were arrested in connection with the operation of the laboratory.

The agency alleged that the suspects operated the facility in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom it described as a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City, following several months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The two suspects were subsequently arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, the organisation, management and financing of a Drug Trafficking Organisation, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production, contrary to the NDLEA Act.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges, after which Justice Segun-Bello scheduled the trial for October 21, 2026, following an application by the agency for an accelerated hearing.

The NDLEA said three other individuals were also named in the charge and are currently at large.

According to the agency, investigations by its Special Operations Unit revealed what it described as a sophisticated transnational operation involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects.

The agency 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.

The NDLEA said a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities was discovered at the location, equipped with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus.

It added that the facility was similar to other laboratories recently dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi states.

A search of the premises, according to the agency, 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, 125 kilogrammes of N-phenylacetamide, 414 kilogrammes of lead acetate and 769.6 kilogrammes of tartaric acid, among other controlled substances.

The agency said a related search of George’s family residence also resulted in the recovery of eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11 kilogrammes of ephedrine.

Reacting to the operation, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to track down all fleeing suspects allegedly connected to the operation and ensure they face the law.

Marwa commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and efforts in dismantling what the agency described as an international drug network.

He said the Enugu laboratory operation demonstrated the agency’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a base for transnational drug networks.

Marwa also said the agency’s intelligence-driven operations and international partnerships would continue to target loopholes allegedly exploited by drug traffickers, while urging NDLEA personnel to sustain enforcement efforts against illicit drug production and trafficking. (Channels)