The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has taken a major step in one of Nigeria’s biggest drug cases after arraigning an alleged Lekki drug baron and three Mexican nationals over a suspected ₦480 billion methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Ogun State.
The, development highlights the growing efforts by Nigerian authorities to dismantle large drug trafficking networks operating across the country.
Meanwhile, all ten defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges filed against them.
According to the anti-drug agency, the alleged Nigerian kingpin, Anochili Innocent, 63, was charged alongside three Mexican nationals identified as Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix and Jesus López Valles.
The suspects were arraigned after investigators allegedly uncovered a large methamphetamine production facility hidden inside a forest in Mowe, Ogun State. Furthermore, officials claimed the illegal laboratory produced more than 2,400 kilograms of methamphetamine before it was discovered.
Following the operation, the alleged drug baron was later arrested at his residence in Golf Estate, Lekki, Lagos. Authorities believe the arrest was a major breakthrough in the investigation.
According to the NDLEA, the laboratory was allegedly part of a well-organised network with both local and foreign connections. Consequently, investigators expanded their probe to identify every person linked to the operation.
In addition to the four principal suspects, six other defendants were also arraigned, bringing the total number before the court to ten. However, all the accused persons denied the allegations when the charges were read.
The court subsequently ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody pending further proceedings. Meanwhile, the matter has been adjourned as legal arguments continue.
