NDLEA DISMANTLES ENUGU METH LAB, TRACKS NIGERIAN-MEXICAN DRUG NETWORK

NDLEA DISMANTLES ENUGU METH LAB, TRACKS NIGERIAN-MEXICAN DRUG NETWORK 
By Jennifer Nwosu 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel allegedly operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, leading to the arrest and arraignment of two alleged kingpins.

In a statement released Thursday by the Director, Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA identified the suspects as 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, also known as Brown and 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, also known as George. The agency said they operated the laboratory in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, described as a member of a Mexican drug cartel based in Mexico City.

The suspects were arraigned before Hon. Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on a five-count charge involving conspiracy, organisation, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production.

After they pleaded to the charges, Justice Segun-Bello fixed Oct. 21, 2026, for trial following an application by the NDLEA for an accelerated hearing. Also named in the charges and currently at large are Uchenna, alias Uche; Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu; and Rodriguez Villanueva.

Investigations by the NDLEA Special Operations Unit (SOU) revealed that the syndicate had been under surveillance for months. Between Dec. 1 and 4, 2025, operatives tracked Brown's movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states before locating the compound in Obeagu.

A search uncovered a clandestine laboratory fitted with improvised reactors and distillation equipment capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities. The facility resembled similar laboratories previously dismantled by the agency in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi states.

Among the chemicals recovered were 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.

A related search of George's family residence produced eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine, further indicating the scale of the alleged operation.

The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brig. General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), commended the officers involved in the operation and reaffirmed the agency's determination to track down all suspects connected to the cartel.

Marwa said the Enugu laboratory operation further demonstrated that Nigeria would not be allowed to become a base for transnational drug networks. He also urged NDLEA personnel to sustain intelligence-led enforcement and international cooperation against local and foreign drug traffickers, including those still at large.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

POLICE SECONDARY SCHOOL SAGAMU HOLDS MAIDEN PASSING OUT PARADE, HONOURS EXCELLENCE AT GRADUATION CEREMONY

Image
POLICE SECONDARY SCHOOL SAGAMU HOLDS MAIDEN PASSING OUT PARADE, HONOURS EXCELLENCE AT GRADUATION CEREMONY  By Jennifer Nwosu  Discipline, academic achievement and character took centre stage as Police Secondary School, Oke-Ibu, Batoro, Sagamu, held its' maiden Passing-Out Parade, Graduation Ceremony and Prize-Giving Day, marking a significant milestone in the institution's history. The event opened with a colourful march past by students, followed by the passing-out parade of the graduating class and a ceremonial guard of honour. The reviewing officer, representing the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, Area Commander of Sagamu Area Command, ACP Aremu Olusola, inspected the parade and took the salute. The ceremony began with an opening prayer led by Pastor Alex, Coordinator of Student Outreach, Sagamu Zone. Delivering the goodwill message on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, ACP Olusola congratulated the graduating students and urged them to re...
Read more

POLICE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS VISIT OGUN CP AS CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE

Image
POLICE SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS VISIT OGUN CP AS CHILDREN'S DAY CELEBRATIONS CONTINUE  By Jennifer Nwosu  The Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, CP Bode Ojajuni, joined students of Police Secondary School, Sagamu, in celebrating the 2026 Children’s Day, describing children as the future leaders whose education, discipline and moral upbringing remain vital to national development. In a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, DSP Oluseyi B. Babaseyi, the students, accompanied by the school’s Commandant, CSP Nanloh Rindap and members of the management team, paid a courtesy visit to the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, as part of activities marking the annual celebration. During the visit, CSP Nanloh Rindap praised the Commissioner of Police for his leadership and support toward the welfare and development of students within the Police community. Student representative, Oluwadarasimi Adeyemo, also appreciated ...
Read more

FOB FORMOSO RALLIES PERSONNEL, HOST COMMUNITIES FOR Q2 ROUTE MARCH IN BRASS

Image
FOB FORMOSO RALLIES PERSONNEL, HOST COMMUNITIES FOR Q2 ROUTE MARCH IN BRASS By Jennifer Nwosu  Forward Operating Base FORMOSO, Nigerian Navy, held its' Second Quarter Route March on Saturday, June 27, 2026, across Egweama and Liama Communities in Brass LGA, Bayelsa State, in line with the Navy’s 2026 training calendar. The exercise focused on keeping personnel physically fit and operationally prepared. Officers, ratings, NYSC members posted to the Basenand local security personnel turned out in large numbers, reflecting strong civil-military collaboration.  The Commanding Officer, Capt. SK Haruna, praised the turnout and commitment, saying route marches build endurance, sustain combat readiness and ensure swift response to operational demands. He also lauded the NYSC members and community security teams, describing their involvement as a sign of the cordial relationship between the Base and its' hosts. The march closed in high spirits with three hearty cheers for t...
Read more