The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully neutralized a fortified methamphetamine laboratory located within the Tapa forest, Ibarapa North, Oyo State. Five individuals were apprehended, including a Mexican drug expert and four Nigerians, all allegedly tied to a global narcotics syndicate.
This operation follows the recent destruction of a similar facility in Ogun State, highlighting a concerning trend of drug cartels attempting to utilize Southwest Nigeria for synthetic drug manufacturing. NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, speaking on behalf of Chairman Buba Marwa, praised the tactical team that raided the site on June 17, 2026.
Among those in custody is 56-year-old Jose Villa Ochoa, a Mexican national hired for his technical skills. His Nigerian associates include Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi, and Ganiu Monsiu. Forensic teams recovered significant amounts of precursor chemicals, including Phenyl-2-propanone and sulphuric acid, alongside industrial processing machinery.
Marwa stated that the operation successfully seized equipment and substances worth billions of naira, potentially preventing millions of doses from reaching markets. He reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to tracking criminal operations regardless of their location, warning that forests offer no protection from the law. He further urged the public to continue providing intelligence to aid in these enforcement efforts.