The battle to rid Nigeria of drug trafficking got a boost on Thursday, as the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) struck another decisive blow against transnational organised crime, busting a sophisticated meth cartel lab on Enugu
The anti- narcotics agency dismantled the lab operated by a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel operating the clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community in Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The Agency’s Spokesman, Femi Babafemi, revealed that two kingpins, including a 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, alias George, were arrested in connection with the operation of the meth lab.
BusinessDay gathered that the duo, who were operating in partnership with a notorious Mexican drug cartel member, Rodriguez Villanueva, based in Mexico City, Mexico, were arrested after several months of intelligence and surveillance on the syndicate.
‘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’
They are also facing charges of ‘unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production, contrary to the NDLEA Act.
‘After their plea, Justice Segun-Bello has now scheduled their trial for 21st October 2026, following an application by the Agency for an accelerated hearing.’
The NDLEA said it has also spread its dragnet for the arrests of Uchenna, alias Uche; Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu; and Rodriguez Villanueva, who is a notorious member of a Mexican drug cartel, who are currently on the run
Investigations by a Special Operations Unit (SOU) of NDLEA revealed a sophisticated, transnational operation by the Nigerian-Mexican cartel.
Surveillance activities by NDLEA between 1st and 4th December, 2025, tracked Brown’s movements between Lagos, Enugu and Anambra States, ultimately leading operatives to a compound in Obeagu where a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities was uncovered.
The lab, fitted with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus, mirrored similar facilities recently dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi.
‘ A search of the premises led to the recovery of vast quantities of precursor chemicals, including 690 litres of methylamine, 1,000 litres of isopropyl alcohol, 300 litres of hydrochloric acid, and 290 litres each of toluene and acetone.
Others items recovered include 400 litres of liquid sodium hydroxide, 125 kilograms of N-phenylacetamide, 414 kilograms of lead acetate, and 769.6 kilograms of tartaric acid, among other controlled substances
The NDLEA said the haul is consistent with a high-potency, P2P-based methamphetamine manufacturing operation.
‘A related search of George’s family residence yielded eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators, and 11 kilograms of ephedrine, further underscoring the scale of the cartel’s operations’.
Reacting to the development, Buba Marwa, Chairman/Chief Executive of the NDLEA, reaffirmed the Agency’s unwavering resolve to track down every fleeing suspect connected to the cartel and ensure that they all face the full weight of the law.
He commended all NDLEA officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and doggedness in cracking yet another international drug syndicate.
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.