Industrial-scale methamphetamine factory hidden in Ibarapa forest uncovered as anti-narcotics agency intensifies crackdown on international drug cartels.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has dismantled a large-scale methamphetamine production facility hidden inside a forest in Oyo State, arresting a suspected Mexican drug expert and four Nigerian accomplices in a major operation against international drug trafficking networks.
The clandestine laboratory was uncovered during a raid at Tapa Village in Ibarapa North Local Government Area, where operatives arrested 56-year-old Jose Villa Ochoa alongside four Nigerian suspects identified as Maxwell Uche Nevoh, Olatunji Yusuf, Bankole Akeem Owolabi, and Ganiu Monsiu.
According to NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, the facility contained industrial equipment and large quantities of chemicals used in the production of methamphetamine. He said forensic analysis confirmed meth production activities at the site.
Marwa described the operation as a significant breakthrough in the fight against transnational drug cartels, warning criminal syndicates that Nigeria would not serve as a safe haven for illicit drug manufacturing.
The discovery comes weeks after another methamphetamine laboratory was dismantled in a forest location in neighbouring Ogun State, raising concerns about efforts by drug networks to establish the South-West as a hub for synthetic drug production.
NDLEA said all recovered substances and equipment have been secured as evidence while investigations continue to uncover other members of the criminal network.