The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered a massive methamphetamine production laboratory hidden inside a forest in Ogun State, leading to the arrest of three Mexican nationals and several suspects linked to the operation.
The agency disclosed that the raid resulted in the seizure of more than 2.4 tonnes of methamphetamine and other chemical substances used in the production of illicit drugs.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NDLEA spokesman, Femi Babafemi, said the confiscated drugs and materials are valued at over $362 million, an amount estimated to be more than N480 billion in the international market.
According to the agency, the operation followed weeks of intelligence gathering and surveillance, which eventually led operatives to the concealed laboratory located deep within a forested area in Ogun State.
Babafemi described the discovery as one of the biggest drug busts in the history of the agency, noting that the syndicate operated a sophisticated production network allegedly involving foreign collaborators.
The NDLEA added that investigations are ongoing to uncover other members of the international drug cartel and their local collaborators.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying the crackdown on drug trafficking and the production of illicit substances across the country.
