The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a suspected methamphetamine laboratory in Ebonyi State during an investigation into an alleged transnational drug syndicate.
The operation also led to the arrest of a Mexican national, Arturo Carrera Loaiza, who the agency said was allegedly linked to the network.
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Investigation Leads to Ebonyi
According to the NDLEA, Loaiza was arrested on August 19, 2026, while allegedly attempting to leave Nigeria through the Lagos airport.
The agency said his arrest followed investigations into clandestine methamphetamine laboratories earlier uncovered in Ogun and Oyo states.
NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the investigation began after three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerian collaborators were arrested at a forest hideout in Ogun State on May 16.
Another breakthrough reportedly came on June 17, when a 56 year old Mexican methamphetamine expert, Jose Villa Ochoa, and four Nigerian collaborators were arrested at a suspected laboratory in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The NDLEA said its investigation established that Ochoa had allegedly been recruited and brought into Nigeria by Loaiza.
Evidence Points To Ebonyi
The agency said investigators later obtained a photograph of Loaiza, which Ochoa reportedly identified as the man who recruited him.
Further intelligence showed that Loaiza entered Nigeria on June 10 alongside another Mexican national, Jose Ceballos Perez.
During interrogation, Loaiza reportedly claimed that he was invited to Nigeria by a Nigerian contact identified only as Henry for a restaurant business venture. He also denied knowledge of methamphetamine production or involvement in the Oyo laboratory.
However, Marwa said investigators recovered photographs showing Loaiza wearing a blue laboratory coat and standing near equipment believed to be associated with methamphetamine production.
The NDLEA said analysis of location metadata from the photographs led investigators to a property under construction at Isiaka Ugoni Okposi in Ebonyi State.
CCTV Footage Provides Breakthrough
NDLEA operatives searched the property on August 30 and linked it to a Nigerian identified as John Samuel Ivo Okike.
According to the agency, interviews with people at the property, including the site engineer and caretaker, revealed a temporary structure around the septic tank area at the rear of the building. Investigators also reported detecting strong chemical odours from the premises.
A CCTV memory card recovered from the property provided further evidence, the agency said.
Marwa said forensic examination of the footage showed a foreign national wearing a blue laboratory coat who matched the photograph of Loaiza. The footage also reportedly showed repeated appearances by Okike.
The agency said the footage captured the movement of chemicals and laboratory equipment from the property at about 9 p.m. on August 21, with Okike allegedly directing the operation.
Chemicals, Equipment Recovered
Acting on further intelligence, NDLEA operatives traced the materials to an isolated house in a neighbouring community.
A subsequent raid led to the recovery of chemicals, laboratory equipment and other items the agency said were linked to methamphetamine production.
Among the items recovered were a dehydrator containing loose methamphetamine, three additional dehydrators, 442.8kg of acetone, 37.1kg of toluene, 20kg of a mixture of acetone and bromobenzene, 1.7kg of ethanol, 5.1kg of chloride salt, 31.5kg of hydrochloric acid, 200kg of P2B and 1kg of tartaric acid.
Other recovered items included condensing units, pumps, weighing scales, mixers, drums, gas burners, gloves and a blue laboratory coat.
NDLEA Vows To Pursue Syndicate
Marwa said the recovered materials, CCTV footage, forensic findings and eyewitness accounts had strengthened the agency’s investigation.
“Nigeria will not be allowed to become a haven for transnational drug cartels seeking to relocate their laboratories from other jurisdictions into our forests and rural communities.”
He commended personnel of the NDLEA’s Special Operations Unit, Strike Force, Forensics team and the Ogun, Oyo and Ebonyi State Commands for their roles in the operation.
The agency said it would continue investigating the case and pursue other individuals allegedly connected to the network, including suspected financiers and local collaborators.
The NDLEA also urged residents of rural and forested communities to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, unusual chemical odours, unfamiliar structures and questionable construction projects.
Members of the public can report suspicious activities through the agency’s toll-free line, 0800 1020 3040, or by email at info@ndlea.gov.ng.
