The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a suspected clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Eziama community, Obeagu, Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State, and arrested two suspected leaders of a Nigerian-Mexican drug trafficking network. The suspects were identified as 45-year-old Chukwu Obumneme Christopher, alias Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Georginus Monday, alias George. 

According to the NDLEA, the suspects allegedly operated the laboratory in partnership with Rodriguez Villanueva, whom the agency identified as a Mexican drug cartel member based in Mexico City. The agency said its Special Operations Unit conducted months of intelligence gathering and surveillance, tracking Brown across Lagos, Enugu and Anambra before locating the facility in Obeagu.

A search of the premises reportedly uncovered equipment capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities, alongside large quantities of precursor chemicals. 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, 125kg of N-phenylacetamide, 414kg of lead acetate and 769.6kg of tartaric acid.

The two suspects have been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Enugu on five counts involving alleged conspiracy, organisation, management and financing of a drug trafficking organisation, as well as unlawful possession of precursor chemicals. They pleaded to the charges, and the court fixed October 21, 2026, for trial. Three other suspects named in the case remain at large, including Villanueva.