The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has shut down a large methamphetamine manufacturing facility hidden within a forest in Oyo State. This successful operation resulted in the detention of one Mexican citizen and four Nigerian nationals associated with the site.
Femi Babafemi, the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, announced the discovery, which occurred on June 17, 2026, at Tapa Village in the Ibarapa North Local Government Area. Tactical units from the agency executed the raid.
Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), the NDLEA Chairman, characterized the laboratory as a fortified, high-tech site run by a global drug network capable of significant production output. Among those in custody is 56-year-old Mexican national Jose Villa Ochoa, who was reportedly brought to Nigeria to supply technical knowledge for the drug manufacturing process. The other apprehended individuals include 30-year-old Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 37-year-old Olatunji Yusuf, 45-year-old Bankole Akeem Owolabi, and 43-year-old Ganiu Monsiu.
Marwa noted that the presence of a foreign expert underscores the growing international nature of illicit drug manufacturing within Nigeria. On June 18, the agency’s Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring examined the site to gather evidence. Official investigations regarding the syndicate’s activities remain active.
