Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has uncovered an alleged transnational drug trafficking operation in Enugu State and dismantled a clandestine methamphetamine production laboratory linked to a suspected Nigerian-Mexican network.
The agency said two suspects, Chukwu Christopher, also known as Brown, 45, and Chukwu Monday, also known as George, 60, were arrested following months of intelligence gathering and surveillance operations in connection with the facility located in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area.
In a statement issued on Thursday by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the agency alleged that the laboratory was operated in collaboration with Rodriguez Villanueva, identified as a suspected Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City.
The NDLEA said investigations by its Special Operations Unit uncovered what it described as a sophisticated international drug production network involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects.
According to the agency, surveillance conducted between December 1 and 4, 2025, tracked Christopher’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states before operatives located the suspected laboratory in Enugu.
The agency said the facility was equipped with improvised reactors and distillation equipment capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities.
NDLEA disclosed that a search of the premises led to the recovery of large volumes of precursor chemicals and substances allegedly used in methamphetamine production, including methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, toluene, acetone, liquid sodium hydroxide, N-phenylacetamide, lead acetate and tartaric acid.
It added that a separate search at Monday’s family residence yielded eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11 kilogrammes of ephedrine.
The two suspects were subsequently arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, organisation, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges, while the court fixed October 21, 2026, for trial after granting the agency’s request for accelerated hearing.
The NDLEA said three other suspects named in the charge remain at large and are being sought by law enforcement authorities.
Reacting to the operation, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the officers involved and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks operating within and outside Nigeria.
Marwa said the operation underscored the agency’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a hub for transnational drug production and trafficking, adding that intelligence-led enforcement and international collaboration would remain central to the agency’s anti-narcotics strategy.
