NDLEA Dismantles Multi-Billion-Naira Meth Laboratory Hidden in Oyo Forest
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered and dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine production facility concealed deep within a forest in Oyo State, arresting a suspected Mexican drug expert and four Nigerian suspects in what officials described as a major breakthrough against an international drug cartel.
The industrial-scale laboratory was discovered during a raid conducted by NDLEA operatives on 17 June at Tapa Village in Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Among those arrested was 56-year-old Jose Villa Ochoa, a Mexican national allegedly recruited to provide technical expertise for large-scale methamphetamine production. Four Nigerians—Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi, and Ganiu Monsiu—were also taken into custody.
NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) said the facility contained substantial quantities of precursor chemicals and sophisticated industrial equipment used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.
According to the agency, forensic examinations conducted at the site confirmed the presence of methamphetamine, while all recovered substances and production equipment have been secured as evidence.
The discovery comes barely four weeks after the NDLEA dismantled another large methamphetamine laboratory hidden in a forest in neighbouring Ogun State, heightening concerns over attempts by international drug cartels to establish the South-West as a centre for synthetic drug production.
Marwa issued a stern warning to drug trafficking networks, saying: “Let the message go out clearly to all drug cartels, domestic and international, that Nigeria is not, and will never be, a safe haven for your illicit trade.
“We will find you in the cities, we will track you into the forests, and we will dismantle your infrastructure of death. They thought hiding in dense forests would shield them from the long arm of the law. They were wrong,” he added.
The NDLEA described the operation as another significant blow against transnational drug trafficking networks and commended the officers involved for their professionalism, vigilance, and courage.
