NDLEA says Enugu meth lab exposed alleged Nigerian-Mexican network
Nigeria’s drug agency says it dismantled a suspected transnational operation in Enugu, arrested two men and recovered chemicals and equipment from an alleged methamphetamine laboratory. The suspects pleaded not guilty to five charges; three other accused people remain at large, the agency said.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has dismantled a suspected Nigerian-Mexican drug network and discovered a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, in Enugu State’s Awgu Local Government Area. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said two men, Chukwu Christopher, also known as Brown, 45, and Chukwu Monday, also known as George, 60, were arrested. The agency alleged that they operated the laboratory in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom it described as a Mexican cartel member based in Mexico City.
The suspects were arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello at the Federal High Court in Enugu on five charges, including conspiracy, managing or financing a drug-trafficking organisation and possessing precursor chemicals. They pleaded not guilty. The court set October 21, 2026, for trial after the NDLEA sought an accelerated hearing.
Three other people named in the charge remain at large, according to the agency. The NDLEA said its investigation and surveillance led officers to the compound after tracking Brown across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states between December 1 and 4, 2025. It said officers found improvised reactors, distillation equipment and large quantities of chemicals, including methylamine, isopropyl alcohol, hydrochloric acid, toluene, acetone and ephedrine.
NDLEA chairman Buba Marwa said the agency would pursue the fugitives and continue targeting suspected transnational drug operations.
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