NDLEA Takes Down Nigerian-Mexican Drug Network and Meth Lab in Enugu

Sep 25, 2026

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully dismantled a drug network described as Nigerian-Mexican, which was operating a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in the Eziama community of Obeagu, located in the Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. This operation was confirmed in a statement released by the agency's spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, on Thursday.

In connection with this operation, two individuals have been arrested: 45-year-old Chukwu Christopher, also known as Brown, and 60-year-old Chukwu Monday, referred to as George. The NDLEA alleges that these suspects collaborated with Rodriguez Villanueva, a member of a Mexican drug cartel based in Mexico City. This collaboration was uncovered following several months of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the agency.

Surveillance:

Sponsorship confirmed.

The suspects were brought before Justice Mabel Taiye Segun-Bello of the Federal High Court in Enugu, facing a five-count charge that includes conspiracy, management and financing of a drug trafficking organization, and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals used in methamphetamine production, all of which violate the NDLEA Act. Both suspects pleaded not guilty to the charges, and the trial has been scheduled for October 21, 2026, after the NDLEA requested an expedited hearing.

Case Closed

Additionally, the NDLEA has indicated that three other individuals are named in the charges but are currently at large. Investigations conducted by the agency's Special Operations Unit have revealed that this operation was a sophisticated transnational effort involving both Nigerian and Mexican suspects.

Surveillance operations carried out between December 1 and 4, 2025, tracked the movements of Brown across Lagos, Enugu, and Anambra states, ultimately leading to the discovery of a compound in Obeagu. Within this location, agents found a clandestine laboratory capable of producing methamphetamine in commercial quantities, equipped with improvised reactors and distillation apparatus.