Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Enugu State and arraigned two men accused of operating a transnational drug trafficking organisation allegedly involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects.
The laboratory was discovered in Eziama community, Obeagu, in Awgu Local Government Area, following an intelligence-led investigation by the agency’s Special Operations Unit.
The two defendants, Chukwu Christopher, 45, also known as Brown, and Chukwu Monday, 60, also known as George, were arraigned before the Federal High Court in Enugu on a five-count charge.
The charges include alleged conspiracy, organising, managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of precursor chemicals said to be used in methamphetamine production.
The court fixed October 21, 2026, for trial after the NDLEA requested an accelerated hearing.
Investigation Traced Suspect Across Three States
According to the NDLEA, the investigation involved months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
The agency said operatives tracked Christopher’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states between December 1 and 4, 2025, before tracing him to a compound in Obeagu.
A search of the premises allegedly uncovered a clandestine laboratory fitted with improvised reactors and distillation equipment.
The NDLEA said the facility was capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities.
Investigators also alleged that the operation involved Rodriguez Villanueva, described by the agency as a suspected member of a Mexican drug cartel based in Mexico City.
Three other individuals named in the charge remain at large: Uchenna, also known as Uche; Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu; and Villanueva.
The allegations against the defendants have yet to be tested at trial.
Chemicals and Equipment Recovered
The NDLEA said the laboratory contained substantial quantities of chemicals and substances associated with the alleged manufacturing operation.
Items reportedly recovered from the premises included:
- 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.
- 769.6kg of tartaric acid.
The agency said the quantity and combination of chemicals were consistent with a P2P-based methamphetamine manufacturing operation.
A separate search of Monday’s family residence allegedly yielded eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine.
The NDLEA said the Enugu facility resembled other clandestine laboratories it had recently dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi states.
NDLEA Vows to Pursue Suspects Still at Large
Reacting to the operation, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the agency would continue efforts to identify and apprehend everyone allegedly connected to the network.
Marwa commended the officers involved, describing their work as professional and instrumental in disrupting the suspected international syndicate.
He said the operation demonstrated the agency’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a haven for transnational drug cartels.
The NDLEA chairman also highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven enforcement and international cooperation in tackling illicit drug production and trafficking.
He directed personnel to sustain operations against drug manufacturing and trafficking networks.
The case is scheduled to resume on October 21, when proceedings are expected to continue before the Federal High Court in Enugu.
