NDLEA UNCOVERS ANOTHER INDUSTRIAL-SCALE CLANDESTINE METH LABORATORY IN OYO FOREST
…Arrests Mexican, 4 others; recovers multi-billion-naira worth of illicit substances
….We’ll find you in the cities, track you into the forests, and dismantle your infrastructure of death, Marwa warns drug cartels
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have struck yet another decisive blow against transnational drug syndicates following the discovery and dismantling of a fortified, industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operated by a Nigerian-Mexican cartel deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State.
The breakthrough comes barely four weeks after the Agency dismantled a similar massive meth laboratory in a forest in Ijebu East, Ogun State, signaling a desperate attempt by drug barons to turn the Southwest axis into a synthetic drug manufacturing hub.
Speaking on the development at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) who was represented by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi at a press briefing on Wednesday 24th June 2026, commended the gallantry, dedication, and clinical professionalism of the officers involved in the operation.
According to him, “On Wednesday, 17th June 2026, tactical operatives of the NDLEA stormed a highly fortified, industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory operating deep within the forest of Tapa Village, Ibarapa North Local Government Area, Oyo State.
“This was not a rudimentary setup; it was a sophisticated, highly organized transnational syndicate. During the raid, our operatives successfully arrested five key members of the cartel on-site. They include a 56-year-old Mexican Methamphetamine expert, Jose Villa Ochoa, brought in specifically to provide the technical expertise for large-scale synthesis and four Nigerian collaborators providing logistical support, cover, and local operations. They are: Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45; and Ganiu Monsiu, 43.
“The arrest of a foreign cartel specialist on Nigerian soil underscores the transnational nature of this threat, but more importantly, it underscores our Agency's world-class intelligence capability to track, intercept, and neutralize them. Following the successful raid, a specialized team from our Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring moved in on June 18th, 2026, to conduct a rigorous forensic examination of the facility. What they uncovered is a massive, factory-level production line of poison.
“The laboratory was fully stocked with a frightening array of precursor chemicals, industrial catalysts, and heavy-duty processing equipment. Chemicals and Materials recovered include: Phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), which is the the main, highly controlled precursor required for methamphetamine synthesis; 1800-litre drums containing Phenylacetic acid (the primary precursor used to synthesize P2P); Two 180L drums containing a staggering 300 litres of whitish crystalline substance; Four 180L drums containing dark liquid undergoing synthesis.
“Others include: 101 bags (25kg each) of Caustic Soda; 17 containers (25L each) of Sulphuric Acid; 19.5 containers (25kg each) of Tartaric Acid; 5 containers of Reniso Ultracool 68 (three 50L and two 25L capacity; 25 bottles (500ml each) of 80% Thioglycolic Acid; 2 containers (25L each) of Ethyl Phenylacetate, and 25 cartons of aluminum foil.
“The Industrial Processing Equipment discovered at the site include: One (1) Reactor Pot, which is the heart of the chemical synthesis; Two (2) mounted distillation units and three (3) fabricated mixers and condensers; as well as Two (2) vegetable dehydrator machines used for the rapid drying of the crystals.
My heartfelt sympathy goes to everyone impacted by the recent surge of fire incidents across our country.
The devastating fire at the Great Nigeria Insurance (GNI) Building in Balogun, Lagos, which claimed precious lives and left families in mourning, serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective fire safety measures. In addition, we witnessed damages at Haiba Plaza in Malumfashi, Kure Market in Minna, and the Gusau warehouse in Zamfara just yesterday, alongside earlier incidents at Buzaye Garage in Sokoto, Terminus Market in Plateau, and Sabuwar Lale Furniture Market in Kano. The latest outbreak at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital's College of Nursing Sciences hostel this morning, as well as repeated fires in areas like Arena Market, Ikotun, and Bolade in Oshodi, highlight a critical situation that calls for collective action and reform.
As a nation that collects various taxes and emergency funds, we have an obligation to ensure that our fire services are equipped, professional, and responsive. It is imperative that we develop an effective national emergency response system, particularly in our markets and high-rise buildings, to safeguard lives and properties.
I stand in solidarity with those in Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara who suffered losses in yesterday’s fires, as well as those in Sokoto, Plateau, Kano, and Lagos. You are not alone; the nation is with you. I urge our government to take swift action to support affected families, providing the necessary resources for recovery.
May we honor the memories of those we’ve lost by committing to a future where lives are protected. Let this be a catalyst for the transformation of our emergency services, ensuring they are not only competent but also compassionate.
Together, we can work towards creating a New Nigeria that is POssible where safety and support are priorities for all. -PO
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The newly elected executives of the 2024/2025 session of the great association🥳
A new regime is about to begin and it’s big🤩#achieversuniversity#Nimelssa
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