The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel allegedly operating an illegal methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
During the operation, the agency arrested two alleged kingpins, Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, also known as Brown, and Chukwu Georginus Monday, popularly known as George.
The NDLEA said the syndicate was linked to Rodriguez Villanueva, a Mexican cartel member based in Mexico City.
Two other suspects, identified as Uchenna, alias Uche, and Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu, were also listed in the charge but remain at large.
The agency stated that the two arrested suspects were arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, organisation, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of methamphetamine precursor chemicals. Their trial has been fixed for October 21, 2026.
It further noted that the clandestine laboratory, discovered after surveillance operations across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra States, was equipped with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities.
“Our operatives recovered 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, among other controlled substances.
“A related search of George’s residence also produced eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine,” the NDLEA said.
Reacting, the NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Marwa, commended the officers for what he described as their professionalism and doggedness, stressing that the operation demonstrated Nigeria’s resolve to prevent transnational drug cartels from establishing a foothold in the country.
Marwa also ordered that all fleeing suspects linked to the cartel be tracked down and brought to justice, while assuring that the Agency would sustain intelligence-driven operations and international cooperation against illicit drug production and trafficking.
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