By our reporter 24.6.2026
National Drug Law Enforcement Agency agents have smashed an international drug syndicate producing methamphetamine on a large scale in Oyo state.
This is the second time the NDLEA is busting a meth producing lab. In May NDLEA agents arrested Nigerians and their Mexican collaborators in the forest near Ijebu East, Ogun State.
Speaking on the latest arrest in Abuja NDLEA chairman, Buba Marwa, stated: “On June 17, 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 organised 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 brought in specifically to provide the technical expertise for large-scale synthesis and four Nigerian collaborators providing logistical support, cover, and local operations.”
He said that more importantly, it underscored the agency’s world-class intelligence capability to track, intercept, and neutralise them.
“Following the successful raid, a specialised team from our Directorate of Forensic and Chemical Monitoring moved in on June 18 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-II-propanone (P2P), which is the main, highly controlled precursor required for methamphetamine synthesis; 1800-litre drums containing Phenylacetic acid (the primary precursor used to synthesise P2P). Others are 180L drums containing a staggering 300 litres of whitish crystalline substance; Four 180L drums containing dark liquid undergoing synthesis.
“Others are: 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. Others are 25 bottles (500ml each) of 80 per cent Thioglycolic Acid; two containers (25 L each) of Ethyl Phenylacetate, and 25 cartons of aluminium foil, among others.
“This is yet another multibillion-naira worth of illicit substances and production equipment ready to push millions of doses of synthetic drugs into our streets, communities and the international community, but for the vigilance of our dedicated officers,” he said.
Photo: NDLEA. See less
Nigeria and Mexican suspect arrested at the scene.