Excerpt:
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency on September 15 announced the dismantling of an industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Ebonyi State following an investigation into a network involving Nigerian and Mexican suspects.
According to the NDLEA, its investigation followed earlier discoveries of clandestine laboratories in Ogun and Oyo states. The agency said Mexican national Arturo Carrera Loaiza was arrested at Lagos airport on August 19 while allegedly attempting to leave Nigeria. Loaiza reportedly denied involvement in methamphetamine production during questioning.
Investigators said metadata from recovered images subsequently led them to a property at Isiata Ugoni Okposi in Ebonyi State. A raid and follow-up operation produced equipment and chemicals allegedly associated with methamphetamine production, including 442.8kg of acetone, 37.1kg of toluene, hydrochloric acid and other substances.
The Associated Press separately reported the Nigerian operation, adding international attention to what the NDLEA describes as a widening investigation into transnational drug production.
The allegations against the arrested persons remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
READ MORE: National Drug Law Enforcement Agency
