The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has shut down a methamphetamine lab linked to a Nigerian-Mexican drug network in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The agency announced this on Thursday through its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, as reported by Channels TV.
The NDLEA said, "Two suspects, 45-year-old Chukwu Christopher, also known as Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Monday, also known as George, were arrested related to the lab's operations, after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance."
The agency claims that these suspects worked together with Rodriguez Villanueva, a member of a Mexican drug cartel based in Mexico City.
The two suspects were taken to court before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello at the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division. They faced five charges, including conspiracy, managing a Drug Trafficking Organisation, and illegal possession of chemicals used to make methamphetamine, which goes against the NDLEA Act.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges. Justice Segun-Bello set the trial date for October 21, 2026, after the agency requested a faster hearing.
The NDLEA mentioned that three other people are also named in the charges but are currently on the run.
The agency stated, "Investigations by our Special Operations Unit uncovered a complex international operation involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects."
Surveillance conducted from December 1 to 4, 2025, tracked Brown’s movements in Lagos, Enugu, and Anambra states, leading to the discovery of a compound in Obeagu.
The NDLEA found a secret lab capable of producing methamphetamine in large amounts. It was equipped with makeshift reactors and distillation equipment.
This lab was similar to others that were recently shut down in Ogun, Oyo, and Ebonyi states.
The agency explained, "A search of the premises led to the recovery of large quantities of 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."
A related search of George’s family home also uncovered eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators, and 11 kilogrammes of ephedrine.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), assured the public that the agency would find all suspects linked to this operation and ensure they are brought to justice.
Marwa praised the officers involved for their professionalism and efforts in breaking up this international drug network.
He said the Enugu lab operation showed the agency’s commitment to stopping Nigeria from becoming a hub for international drug trafficking.
Marwa added that the agency's intelligence-driven operations and international partnerships would keep targeting areas exploited by drug traffickers. He urged NDLEA staff to remain vigilant against illegal drug production and trafficking.
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