The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended members of a large-scale Nigerian–Mexican methamphetamine cartel operating in Ogun State.
According to the agency, its Special Operations Unit uncovered an industrial meth laboratory hidden deep inside a forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area after months of intelligence-led surveillance.
The operation led to the arrest of 10 suspects, including three Mexican nationals allegedly brought in as “chemistry experts,” alongside Nigerian collaborators believed to be part of the cartel’s logistics and distribution network.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), said operatives also recovered over 2.4 tonnes of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at approximately ₦480 billion ($362.9 million).
The agency described the facility as an industrial-scale production laboratory capable of manufacturing large quantities of methamphetamine for international trafficking.
Marwa added that simultaneous raids were carried out in Ogun and Lagos, leading to the arrest of the alleged cartel leader and additional suspects linked to the network.
He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling transnational drug syndicates operating within Nigeria, warning that criminal networks would continue to be targeted regardless of their level of sophistication.
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