Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered and dismantled a large-scale cl@ndestine meth@mphetamine laboratory allegedly operated by a Nigerian-Mexican dr¥g cartel in a remote forest in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The operation led to the arrest of five suspected members of the syndicate, including 56-year-old Mexican national Jose Villa Ochoa, who authorities described as a methamphetamine production expert brought into Nigeria to oversee large-scale drug manufacturing. Four Nigerians Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi, and Ganiu Monsiu were also arrested during the raid.
The discovery comes barely four weeks after the agency dismantled another major meth laboratory in Ijebu East, Ogun State, raising concerns about attempts by dr¥g traffickers to establish a synthetic dr¥g manufacturing hub in Southwest Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the Agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said the operation exposed a sophisticated transnational network attempting to establish a synthetic dr¥g production base in the Southwest.
According to the agency, forensic investigators discovered large quantities of precursor chemicals, industrial catalysts, and processing equipment used in the production of meth@mphetamine. Recovered items included drums containing phenylacetic acid and other substances linked to meth synthesis, alongside reactor pots, distillation units, condensers, mixers, and drying machines.
Warning criminal networks against operating in the country, the NDLEA boss said the agency would continue to pursue dr¥g cartels wherever they attempt to hide.
“We will find you in the cities, track you into the forests, and dismantle your infrastructure of de@th,” he warned.
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