The NDLEA has uncovered a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel allegedly running a secret methamphetamine laboratory in Enugu State.
Two suspected kingpins were arrested after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the anti-drug agency.
The operation uncovered a large laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area.
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi identified the suspects as 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, known as Brown.
The second suspect is 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, also known as George.
According to the agency, the suspects allegedly worked with Rodriguez Villanueva, a Mexican cartel member based in Mexico City.
The NDLEA Enugu meth lab bust followed surveillance conducted across several states.
NDLEA said its Special Operations Unit tracked Brown’s movements between Lagos, Enugu and Anambra.
The surveillance eventually led officers to the compound where the alleged laboratory was discovered.
The agency said the facility was capable of producing methamphetamine in large quantities.
“As a result, they were arraigned before Hon. Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, the organisation, management and financing of a Drug Trafficking Organization, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production, contrary to the NDLEA Act,” the statement reads.
The two suspects appeared before the Federal High Court in Enugu following their arrests.
After their pleas, Justice Segun-Bello fixed October 21, 2026, for trial.
The date followed an application by the NDLEA seeking an accelerated hearing.
Three other suspects were listed in the case but remain at large.
They include Uchenna, also known as Uche, and Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu, Villanueva, the alleged Mexican cartel member, was also listed as being at large.
NDLEA officers recovered large quantities of chemicals from the suspected laboratory.
A search of George’s family residence also produced equipment and other substances linked to the investigation.
The agency said the findings showed the alleged operation had a wider network.
Mohammed Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, vowed to pursue suspects connected to the cartel.
“He described the Enugu lab bust as further proof that Nigeria will not be allowed to become a haven for transnational drug cartels, warning that the Agency’s intelligence-driven operations and international partnerships would continue to close every loophole exploited by drug barons, whether local or foreign,” the statement reads.
He also urged NDLEA officers to maintain pressure against illegal drug production and trafficking.
