NDLEA Discovers Methamphetamine Laboratory Run By Mexicans In Nigeria

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has discovered a
methamphetamine laboratory run by Mexicans and dislodged a major drug trafficking
organisation in the country. Officials of the Special Enforcement Team NDLEA
discovered the illicit methamphetamine production laboratory in Asaba, Delta
State.

According to the Head, Public Affairs, NDLEA, Mr. Mitchell
Ofoyeju, the “super” methamphetamine laboratory, which is similar to the ones
found in Mexico, is the first to be discovered in Nigeria.

Ofoyeju quoted the the Chairman/Chief Executive, NDLEA, Col.
Muhammad Mustapha Abdallah, as saying the laboratory has a capacity of
producing between 3,000kg to 4,000kg of methamphetamine per production cycle.

He said, “A significant feature of this laboratory is that
the production process is more technical and sophisticated because it uses the
synthesis method of methamphetamine production.

“All the principal actors linked to this illicit act were
apprehended in a simultaneous raid on members of the drug syndicate in Lagos,
Obosi in Anambra State, and at the laboratory in Asaba, Delta state.”

Those arrested include four Nigerians suspected to be joint
owners of the laboratory and four Mexicans who are methamphetamine production
experts allegedly hired as technical partners into the country.

The suspects are Chibi Aruh, William Ejike Agusi, Umolu Kosisochukwu
and Umolu Ckukwemeka. Others are Cervantos Madrid Jose Bruno, Rivas Ruiz
Pastiano, Castillo Barraza Cristobal and Partida Gonzalez Pedro.

Abdallah described the operation as a technical undercover
assignment leading to the dismantling of a drug trafficking organisation.

The laboratory was raided while the second production cycle
was ongoing.

Items recovered at the laboratory included 1.5kg of finished
methamphetamine and 750 liters of liquid methamphetamine. Other items found in
the laboratory included industrial pressure pots, gas cylinders, gas burners,
facial masks and numerous chemicals.

Also recovered in the operation were a Toyota Tundra, a
Mercedes Benz Jeep ML and a Toyota Corolla car.

The anti-narcotics agency warned that unless drastic
measures were taken against the trend, the rise of “super” laboratories would
put Nigeria on the global spotlight in methamphetamine production.

“This is because the laboratory operates at an industrial
scale with a high yield of 3,000kg to 4,000kgs of methamphetamine per
production cycle.

“Nigeria methamphetamine is now competing with others in
Asia and South Africa markets. The super laboratory does not need ephedrine
because it uses the synthesis method.

“Drug cartels are now shifting from simple method of
methamphetamine production to a more complex process.”

According to him, methamphetamine laboratories pose a
serious threat to humanity because of the toxic nature of chemicals used.

Punch