The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a suspected Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. Two alleged kingpins, 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, alias George, were arrested following months of intelligence gathering and surveillance. 

The NDLEA said the suspects allegedly operated the laboratory in collaboration with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom the agency identified as a suspected member of a Mexican drug cartel based in Mexico City. Investigations by the agency’s Special Operations Unit reportedly tracked Christopher’s movements across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra states between December 1 and 4, 2025, before operatives located the laboratory in Obeagu.

A search of the facility reportedly led to the recovery of large quantities of precursor chemicals and equipment, 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, 125kg of N-phenylacetamide, 414kg of lead acetate and 769.6kg of tartaric acid. A related search at George’s family residence also reportedly recovered eight large fuel tanks, four commercial gas burners, four dehydrators and 11kg of ephedrine.

Christopher and Monday were arraigned before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu on a five-count charge involving alleged conspiracy, organising, managing and financing a drug trafficking organisation and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals. They pleaded not guilty, and the court fixed October 21, 2026, for trial following an application by the NDLEA for an accelerated hearing. Three other suspects named in the charge, including Villanueva, remain at large.