The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has formally brought 10 suspects before the Federal High Court in Lagos over allegations linked to a massive methamphetamine production and trafficking operation valued at more than N480 billion.
Among those facing prosecution are a 63-year-old man identified as Anochili Innocent, who investigators describe as the alleged leader of the network, three Mexican nationals, and six other Nigerian suspects.
The case was heard before Justice Musa Kakaki on Friday.
Prosecutors File Multiple Criminal Charges
According to the charges filed by the NDLEA, the defendants are accused of conspiring to establish and operate a secret methamphetamine laboratory, illegally producing and possessing narcotic substances, running a drug trafficking organisation, and handling prohibited chemical substances used in drug manufacturing.
The foreign nationals standing trial are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49, Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46, and Jesus López Valles, 40.
They appeared alongside Nigerian defendants Nwankwo Sunday Christian, Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, Igwe Abuchi Remijus, Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, Nwobum Emeka, and alleged cartel leader Anochili Innocent.
Coordinated Operations Led to Multiple Arrests
NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi disclosed that the suspects were apprehended during coordinated enforcement operations carried out between May 16 and May 18, 2026, across Ogun and Lagos states.
Investigators reportedly uncovered a sophisticated methamphetamine laboratory concealed inside a forest in Mowe village, located in Ogun State’s Ijebu East Local Government Area.
Seven suspects, including the three Mexican nationals whom the agency described as specialists in methamphetamine production, were arrested during the raid.
At the same time, operatives arrested Innocent at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe in Lekki, Lagos.
Additional Searches Uncovered More Suspects
The NDLEA said its investigation continued after the initial arrests, leading officers to another property allegedly connected to the suspected drug operation.
Authorities arrested Kingsley Orike Omonughwa at one of the locations linked to the alleged syndicate, while Emeka Nwobum was taken into custody at another residence investigators believe served as a storage facility for the criminal network.
Investigators Detail Alleged Drug Manufacturing Scheme
Court documents allege that between February and May 16, 2026, the defendants collaborated to establish and operate the illegal laboratory in Ogun State.
Prosecutors further claimed the suspects coordinated the transportation of chemical precursors from Lagos to the production site.
The chemicals allegedly recovered include toluene, phenyl-2-propane, phenyl acetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, all substances commonly associated with the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Massive Drug and Chemical Seizures Presented in Court
According to the NDLEA, investigators recovered approximately 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine during the operation.
The agency estimated the street value of the illicit drugs at over N480 billion on the international black market.
Officers also reported seizing 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid, 22.5 kilograms of acetone, as well as additional quantities of phenyl-2-propane and phenyl acetic acid from the clandestine laboratory.
Separate charges also accuse Innocent of allowing his property to be used for the illegal production of narcotic substances.
Defendants Reject Allegations as Trial Begins
When the charges were read before the court, all 10 defendants entered pleas of not guilty.
The prosecution informed the court that copies of the evidence had already been served on the defence on July 3 and immediately presented seven witnesses to begin its case.
Defence lawyers, however, requested more time to adequately prepare their response before the proceedings continue.
Court Orders Remand Pending Bail Hearing
Following the preliminary proceedings, Justice Kakaki ordered that all defendants remain in custody at the Lagos Correctional Centre.
The judge fixed July 16 and July 22, 2026, for the continuation of trial and the hearing of applications for bail.
NDLEA Says Operation Highlights Growing International Threat
Reacting to the court proceedings, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, retired Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the case as one of the agency’s biggest breakthroughs against large-scale illicit drug production in Nigeria.
Marwa said the arrests demonstrate the growing involvement of international criminal organisations seeking to establish manufacturing bases within Nigeria for the export of illegal drugs.
He noted that the involvement of the three Mexican nationals reflects the expanding reach of transnational drug cartels but stressed that the NDLEA remains committed to identifying and dismantling every drug trafficking network operating in the country, regardless of its size or level of sophistication.
The agency’s chairman also appealed to Nigerians to continue providing useful intelligence that could assist law enforcement authorities in disrupting drug trafficking activities nationwide.
