NDLEA Uncovers Industrial-Scale Methamphetamine Laboratory in Oyo Forest, Arrests Mexican and Four Nigerians

 

Abuja, June 24, 2026 — The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled another large-scale clandestine methamphetamine production facility hidden deep within a forest in Oyo State, arresting five suspects, including a Mexican national believed to be a methamphetamine production expert.

The operation, which took place in Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area of Oyo State, marks a major breakthrough in the agency's ongoing crackdown on transnational drug trafficking syndicates operating in Nigeria.

Addressing journalists at the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the agency, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, described the discovery as a significant victory against organized drug cartels.

According to Marwa, tactical operatives stormed the heavily fortified facility on June 17, following intelligence reports that a sophisticated drug manufacturing operation was being conducted within the forest.

He disclosed that five suspects were arrested during the raid, including 56-year-old Mexican national Jose Villa Ochoa, who was allegedly brought into Nigeria to provide technical expertise for large-scale methamphetamine production.

The other suspects arrested were identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh (30), Olatunji Yusuf (37), Bankole Akeem Owolabi (45), and Ganiu Monsiu (43), all Nigerians accused of handling logistics, security, and local operations for the cartel.

Marwa said the arrest of a foreign drug expert highlights the international dimension of the illicit operation and demonstrates the agency's growing intelligence and enforcement capabilities.

Following the raid, forensic and chemical monitoring experts from the NDLEA conducted a detailed examination of the facility and uncovered what officials described as a factory-level methamphetamine production line.

Among the substances recovered were large quantities of highly controlled precursor chemicals used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, including Phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), Phenylacetic Acid, Sulphuric Acid, Tartaric Acid, Thioglycolic Acid, Ethyl Phenylacetate, and more than 100 bags of caustic soda.

Investigators also discovered several industrial-grade processing machines, including a reactor pot, mounted distillation units, condensers, mixers, and dehydrator machines used in the production and drying of methamphetamine crystals.

Field tests conducted by forensic experts confirmed that substances recovered from the facility tested positive for methamphetamine and other chemical compounds associated with its manufacture.

NDLEA officials said the illicit drugs and equipment seized from the site are worth several billions of naira and could have produced millions of doses of synthetic drugs for local and international distribution.

The agency noted that the discovery comes less than a month after another major methamphetamine laboratory was dismantled in a forested area of Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, raising concerns about attempts by criminal syndicates to establish a synthetic drug manufacturing corridor across the Southwest region.

Marwa warned drug traffickers and manufacturers that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for their activities.

"Let the message go out clearly to all drug cartels, both 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," he said.

He further commended officers of the NDLEA Oyo State Command for their professionalism, courage, and dedication during the operation, while also appreciating members of the public for providing intelligence that contributed to the successful raid.

The NDLEA reiterated its commitment to intensifying efforts against drug trafficking networks and ensuring that those involved in the production and distribution of illicit substances are brought to justice.