NDLEA Arraigns Alleged Drug Kingpin, Three Mexicans over ₦480bn Meth Lab

By Zainab Uzomah| Abuja

A suspected drug kingpin, Anochili Innocent, and three Mexican nationals have been arraigned alongside six other Nigerians over the alleged operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State capable of producing drugs valued at more than ₦480 billion.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) said the 10 defendants were arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos on Friday on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, drug production, trafficking and the unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.

The accused are Anochili Innocent, 63; Mexican nationals Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, Nemecio Martinez Felix and Jesus López Valles; and Nigerians Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike and Nwobum Emeka.

According to the NDLEA, the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations in Ogun and Lagos states between 16 and 18 May after operatives uncovered a concealed methamphetamine laboratory in Mowe, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The agency alleged that the syndicate established and operated the facility, where 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated international street value of over ₦480 billion, was produced. Investigators also recovered large quantities of precursor chemicals, including toluene, hydrochloric acid, acetone, phenyl-2-propanone (P2P) and phenylacetic acid.

Prosecutors further alleged that Anochili, described as the owner of the property where the laboratory was located, knowingly allowed it to be used for the production of illicit drugs.

All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Justice Kakaki ordered that they be remanded at the Lagos Correctional Centre and adjourned the case until 16 and 22 July for the commencement of trial and the hearing of their bail applications.

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the case as one of the agency’s largest operations against an industrial-scale drug manufacturing network, saying the involvement of foreign nationals underscored attempts by international drug cartels to establish production bases in Nigeria.