Alleged Nigerian-Mexican Meth Network Bursted In Enugu

A search of a family home in Enugu State has become part of a wider case against what Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) calls a Nigerian-Mexican drug network.

The agency said the search of the residence of a suspect known as George recovered eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11 kilogrammes of ephedrine.

The home is linked to a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area.

The NDLEA announced the case in a statement on Thursday by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, according to Channels TV.

Two men were arrested: 45-year-old Chukwu Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Monday, alias George.

The NDLEA stated, ‘Two suspects, 45-year-old Chukwu Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Monday, alias George, were arrested in connection with the operation of the laboratory, following several months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.’

The agency alleged that the two ran the facility in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom it described as a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City.

It said three other people named in the charge are still at large.

The NDLEA said, ‘Investigations by its Special Operations Unit revealed what it described as a sophisticated transnational operation involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects.

‘Surveillance conducted between December 1 and 4, 2025, tracked Brown’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states before leading operatives to a compound in Obeagu.’

At that location, the agency said, it found a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities, equipped with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus.

The agency explained, ‘A search of the premises, according to the agency, led to the recovery of large quantities of precursor chemicals, including 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, 125 kilogrammes of N-phenylacetamide, 414 kilogrammes of lead acetate and 769.6 kilogrammes of tartaric acid, among other controlled substances.’

Both men were later arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division.

They face a five-count charge of conspiracy, organising, managing and financing a Drug Trafficking Organisation, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production, contrary to the NDLEA Act.

They pleaded not guilty. After the agency applied for an accelerated hearing, Justice Segun-Bello scheduled the trial for October 21, 2026.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (rtd.), reaffirmed the agency’s resolve to track down all fleeing suspects allegedly connected to the operation and ensure they face the law.

He commended the officers involved for their professionalism and efforts in dismantling what the agency described as an international drug network.

Marwa said the Enugu operation showed the agency’s determination to prevent Nigeria from becoming a base for transnational drug networks.

He added that intelligence-driven operations and international partnerships would continue to target loopholes allegedly exploited by drug traffickers, and urged NDLEA personnel to sustain enforcement efforts against illicit drug production and trafficking.