NDLEA Uncovers Mexican Cartel Links to Methamphetamine Labs in Ogun, Oyo Forests
Drug Agency Says Nigerian-Mexican Syndicates Are Attempting to Establish Large-Scale Synthetic Drug Production Networks in Southwest Nigeria
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered alleged links between Nigerian and Mexican drug syndicates involved in attempts to establish large-scale methamphetamine laboratories in forests across Ogun and Oyo states. The agency said the discoveries point to efforts by transnational criminal networks to use remote locations in the Southwest for illicit drug production.
The NDLEA said its investigation followed the discovery of a major clandestine laboratory in a forest in Ijebu East, Ogun State, and another facility in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State. According to the agency, the Oyo operation led to the arrest of five people, including a Mexican national whom authorities described as having specialist knowledge linked to the suspected operation.
Authorities said the facilities were significantly more sophisticated than small-scale illegal drug operations, with industrial equipment and chemical materials reportedly recovered during the raids. The NDLEA said forensic examinations conducted on samples from the Oyo facility confirmed the presence of methamphetamine. The agency described the discoveries as evidence of an organised operation rather than isolated criminal activity.
The agency said the proximity of the Ogun and Oyo discoveries raised concerns that criminal groups may be attempting to develop the Southwest into a major hub for synthetic drug production. NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa warned that the agency would continue pursuing suspected drug networks regardless of whether they operate in urban areas or remote locations.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to identify other people allegedly connected to the suspected transnational network. The NDLEA said evidence recovered during the operations would be preserved for possible prosecution, while further intelligence gathering would be used to track the wider network. The allegations against those arrested remain subject to due process and judicial determination.
