The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has achieved a major breakthrough in its fight against drug trafficking, dismantling a sophisticated Nigerian-Mexican methamphetamine syndicate and seizing drugs worth N480 billion. The operation, which involved coordinated raids across Ogun State and Lagos State, resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects, including three Mexican nationals and a suspected drug baron.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa described the operation as a significant blow to transnational organized crime. “Today, I am proud to announce that the NDLEA has struck another crippling blow to the heart of transnational organized crime,” Marwa said. “Through a clinical, simultaneous operation executed by the elite operatives of our Special Operations Unit (SOU), we have successfully dismantled a sophisticated, transnational methamphetamine production syndicate run jointly by a Nigerian drug cartel and their Mexican counterparts
The operation led to the discovery of a clandestine meth laboratory in the Abidagba forest in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, described as the largest ever uncovered in Nigeria. The laboratory was operated by the Anochili Innocent Drug Trafficking Organization, and the Mexicans were identified as Martinez Felix Nemecto, Jesus LĆ³pez Valles, and Torrero Juan Carlos.
According to Marwa, the agency recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at $362.9 million, equivalent to over N480 billion. “The operation yielded a massive 2,419.48 kilograms (over 2.4 tons) of chemical materials, including highly toxic, volatile, and crystallized methamphetamine worth Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Million, Nine Hundred and Twenty-Two Thousand Dollars ($362,922,000.00) in the international market,” he said.
The NDLEA chairman warned drug traffickers that the agency would not hesitate to disrupt their networks and seize their ill-gotten wealth. “Let it be known that no matter how deep into the bush you hide, no matter how secure your gated estate is, the NDLEA will hunt you down, disrupt your networks, and seize your ill-gotten wealth,” Marwa declared.
The agency also urged Nigerians to report suspicious activities, noting that the laboratory had been disguised as an ordinary farm. “This war is for the soul of our nation, and we will not back down until we achieve a drug-free Nigeria,” Marwa added.
The operation is part of the NDLEA’s ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and organized crime in Nigeria. The agency has made several significant seizures in recent months, including intercepting drugs hidden in clothes and garri, and seizing a shipment of cannabis worth N10.4 billion at Tin Can Port.
The NDLEA’s efforts have been praised by Nigerians, who are calling for increased action against drug trafficking and organized crime. The agency’s success in dismantling the Nigerian-Mexican meth cartel is a significant step towards achieving a drug-free Nigeria
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