Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested two men accused of operating a methamphetamine laboratory in Enugu State, in the latest crackdown on illicit drug production in the country.
The agency said large quantities of precursor chemicals were recovered from a makeshift laboratory in Obeagu, Enugu State.
According to the NDLEA, the suspects allegedly operated the facility in collaboration with a Mexican national believed to be linked to a drug cartel. The Mexican suspect has reportedly left Nigeria, while two other Nigerians are also wanted in connection with the case.
The operation represents Nigeria’s fourth major methamphetamine laboratory bust since May, with authorities saying all four cases involved alleged links to Mexican nationals.
The NDLEA said at least five Mexican nationals had been arrested in Nigeria since May over alleged involvement in methamphetamine production.
The arrests come amid growing concerns over the establishment of illicit drug production networks in Africa by Latin American criminal groups seeking to supply markets in Europe and other regions.
West Africa has already emerged as a major transit route for cocaine trafficked from South America to Europe.
The NDLEA’s latest operation highlights continued efforts by Nigerian authorities to disrupt the production and distribution of synthetic drugs and dismantle international networks operating within the country.
The two suspects are expected to appear in court again on October 21.
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