Three Mexicans, seven others remanded over N480bn meth lab in Nigeria

A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of three Mexican nationals and seven other suspects in connection with an alleged N480 billion methamphetamine operation. The group, including alleged drug baron Anochili Innocent, 63, faces 11 charges related to conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operating a drug trafficking organization, and possessing precursor chemicals.

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the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations conducted between May 16 and 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states.

The Mexican nationals identified are Juan Carlos Meza Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; and Jesus López Valles, 40. The other Nigerian defendants include Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; Nwobum Emeka, 59; and Innocent.

According to Femi Babafemi, spokesman for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the arrests occurred during coordinated operations in Ogun and Lagos states from May 16 to May 18, 2026. Operatives first raided a clandestine laboratory hidden in a forest in Mowe village, Ogun State, arresting seven suspects, including the three Mexicans described as methamphetamine experts. Simultaneously, Innocent, identified as the alleged cartel mastermind, was arrested at his residence in Lagos.

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Innocent, identified as the alleged mastermind of the cartel, was simultaneously arrested at his residence in the Golf Estate area of Lakowe, Lekki, Lagos.

Follow-up operations led to the arrests of Orike at another property linked to Innocent and Nwobum at a residence allegedly used as a stash house. The charges state the defendants conspired between February and May 16, 2026, to establish and operate the lab. Prosecutors also accuse them of managing and financing a drug trafficking organization and transporting precursor chemicals from Lagos to the lab. The agency estimates the recovered 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine to be worth over N480 billion on the international illicit drug market. Investigators also recovered significant quantities of precursor chemicals, including toluene, hydrochloric acid, and acetone, from the laboratory and related sites. Innocent faces an additional charge for allegedly permitting his property to be used for drug production. All ten defendants pleaded not guilty.

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the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, estimated by the agency to be worth over N480bn in the international illicit drug market.