NDLEA Uncovers N480bn Meth Super-Lab in Ogun Forest, Arrests 3 Mexicans

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dealt a massive blow to international narcotics trafficking by dismantling a transnational methamphetamine cartel operating a “super-lab” in the forests of Ogun State. The operation resulted in the seizure of illicit drugs valued at over N480 billion and the arrest of 10 suspects, including three Mexican nationals.

NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.) disclosed this during a media briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. The raid, carried out by the agency’s elite Special Operations Unit, took place on Saturday, May 16, through simultaneous operations in Ogun and Lagos states.

Biggest Meth Lab Ever Uncovered in Nigeria

The clandestine laboratory was hidden in Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, operated by the “Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organisation.” Marwa described it as the biggest methamphetamine laboratory ever discovered in Nigeria.

“This network did not just traffic drugs; they were actively manufacturing industrial-scale quantities of highly lethal illicit substances right on our soil,” Marwa said.

Seven suspects were arrested at the forest laboratory, including the three Mexicans brought into Nigeria as chemists: Martinez Felix Nemecto (46), Jesus López Valles (40), and Torrero Juan Carlos (51).

The Nigerian suspects arrested at the site were Nwankwo Sunday Christian (41), Igwe Abuchi Remijus (42), Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua (23), and Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor (38).

The kingpin, Anochili Innocent, was apprehended at his residence in Golf Estate, Lekki, Lagos, where investigators recovered the passports and mobile phones of the Mexican chemists, directly linking him to their importation.

“Through a clinical, simultaneous operation executed by the elite operatives of our Special Operations Unit, we have successfully dismantled a sophisticated, transnational methamphetamine production syndicate,” Marwa added, noting the operation followed months of intelligence gathering.

Sources: TheCable, Punch, Arise News, Ripples Nigeria