\n\nIn a major crackdown on illicit drug manufacturing, operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have dismantled an industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory concealed in a forest in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The raid, conducted on June 17, 2026, led to the arrest of a 56-year-old Mexican methamphetamine expert and four Nigerian collaborators suspected of operating the facility on behalf of a Nigerian-Mexican drug cartel.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd.), represented by Director of Media and Advocacy Femi Babafemi, described the laboratory as highly fortified and sophisticated, capable of producing large quantities of methamphetamine for both local distribution and international markets.
Large quantities of precursor chemicals and industrial processing equipment were recovered from the site. Samples of the finished crystal methamphetamine tested positive, and all exhibits have been documented for prosecution.
This latest discovery comes barely four weeks after the agency dismantled a similar massive meth laboratory in Ogun State, underscoring the determination of drug syndicates to establish synthetic drug production hubs in the Southwest region.
The NDLEA said the operation demonstrates its commitment to disrupting transnational organised crime networks and preventing Nigeria from becoming a major hub for hard drug manufacturing.
The arrested suspects are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court soon.
