The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered an alleged Nigerian-Mexican drug trafficking network operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
The agency said two alleged leaders of the syndicate, 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, also known as Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, alias George, were arrested after months of intelligence gathering and surveillance.
According to the NDLEA, the suspects allegedly worked with Rodriguez Villanueva, said to be a member of a Mexican drug cartel operating from Mexico City.
The two men have been arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court, Enugu Judicial Division, on five counts relating to conspiracy, organising, managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation, as well as the unlawful possession of precursor chemicals allegedly used in methamphetamine production.
The NDLEA Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, disclosed the development in Abuja on Thursday, saying the charges were filed under relevant provisions of the NDLEA Act.
After the suspects pleaded to the charges, the court adjourned proceedings until October 21, 2026, for trial. The agency had requested an accelerated hearing.
Three other individuals named in the charges — Uchenna, also known as Uche; Celestine Ikemefuna Iwuchukwu; and Villanueva — remain at large, according to the NDLEA.
NDLEA uncovers alleged methamphetamine production facility
The agency said its Special Operations Unit (SOU) uncovered the alleged transnational operation following surveillance carried out between December 1 and 4, 2025.
Investigators reportedly tracked Brown’s movements through Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states before identifying a compound in Obeagu allegedly being used to produce methamphetamine.
The NDLEA said the facility contained improvised reactors and distillation equipment capable of supporting methamphetamine production on a commercial scale.
A search of the premises reportedly led to the seizure of substantial quantities of chemicals suspected to have been intended for drug production.
Among the substances 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, 125 kilogrammes of N-phenylacetamide, 414 kilogrammes of lead acetate and 769.6 kilogrammes of tartaric acid.
The agency said the nature and volume of the chemicals were consistent with a P2P-based methamphetamine manufacturing process.
A separate search at George’s family residence allegedly uncovered eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11 kilogrammes of ephedrine.
The NDLEA said the laboratory in Enugu had similarities to other clandestine drug production facilities recently dismantled in Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi states.
Marwa vows to pursue suspects at large
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the agency would continue its efforts to locate the suspects who remain at large and bring all persons linked to the alleged syndicate before the law.
Marwa commended the officers involved in the investigation and operation, describing the case as an example of the agency’s intelligence-driven approach to tackling illicit drug production and transnational trafficking.
