The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has dismantled a suspected Nigerian-Mexican drug trafficking network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Enugu State.
The agency arrested two alleged kingpins identified as 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, also known as Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, also known as George, following months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to the report, the suspects allegedly operated the laboratory in collaboration with Rodriguez Villanueva, a suspected Mexican cartel member based in Mexico City.
The NDLEA said the laboratory was discovered in Eziama community, Obeagu, in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The two suspects have been arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, organising, managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of precursor chemicals allegedly used in methamphetamine production.
They pleaded to the charges, while the court fixed October 21, 2026, for trial following an application by the NDLEA for an accelerated hearing.
Two other persons named in the charges — Uchenna, also known as Uche Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu, and Villanueva — remain at large.
The agency said its investigation began with surveillance operations conducted between December 1 and 4, 2025. Brown was reportedly tracked across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra before NDLEA operatives were led to the compound in Obeagu.
A search of the premises allegedly uncovered a laboratory fitted with improvised reactors and distillation equipment, alongside large quantities of chemicals and other substances.
Among the items recovered were 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 and 769.6kg of tartaric acid.
The NDLEA also searched George’s family residence, where operatives reportedly recovered eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine.
NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the agency would continue its efforts to dismantle transnational drug trafficking networks operating in Nigeria.
Marwa also warned suspects who fled the country or remain at large that the agency would pursue them and ensure they face justice.
The NDLEA said the operation underscores its efforts to prevent Nigeria from becoming a base for international drug trafficking organisations.
