The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine production facility concealed in a forest in Oyo State, arresting a suspected Mexican drug specialist and four Nigerian suspects in a major operation against an international drug network.
The illicit laboratory was discovered on June 17 in Tapa Village, located in Ibarapa North Local Government Area, during a raid conducted by NDLEA operatives.
Among those arrested was Mexican national, 56-year-old Jose Villa Ochoa, who is alleged to have been recruited to provide technical expertise for the production of methamphetamine. Four Nigerians — Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi, and Ganiu Monsiu — were also taken into custody.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the facility contained substantial quantities of precursor chemicals and industrial-grade equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
The agency stated that forensic analysis confirmed the presence of methamphetamine at the site, while all recovered substances and production materials have been secured as evidence.
The discovery follows the dismantling of another major meth laboratory in a forested area of neighbouring Ogun State less than a month earlier, heightening concerns over efforts by drug trafficking groups to establish the South-West region as a centre for synthetic drug production.
Marwa reiterated the agency’s determination to combat drug cartels, stressing that Nigeria would not serve as a refuge for local or foreign traffickers.
He warned that NDLEA would continue pursuing criminal networks wherever they operate, including remote forest locations, and vowed to destroy facilities used for the illegal drug trade.
The agency described the operation as a major setback for transnational drug trafficking organisations and praised the officers involved for their dedication and professionalism.
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