NDLEA operatives have dismantled an industrial-scale clandestine methamphetamine laboratory hidden deep in Tapa Village forest, Ibarapa North LGA, Oyo State, arresting a Mexican cartel expert and four Nigerian collaborators.

The raid was carried out on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and NDLEA Chairman Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa described it as a “sophisticated, highly organised transnational syndicate” during a press briefing in Abuja on June 24, represented by Director of Media Femi Babafemi.

The Mexican suspect arrested is 56-year-old Jose Villa Ochoa, allegedly recruited to oversee large-scale drug synthesis. Four Nigerians in custody are Maxwell Uche Nevoh, 30; Olatunji Yusuf, 37; Bankole Akeem Owolabi, 45; and Ganiu Monsiu, 43, said to have provided logistics and local cover. NDLEA’s forensic team found factory-level equipment including P2P and Phenylacetic acid precursors, 1,800-litre drums, industrial reactors, distillation units, mixers and crystal dryers. The bust comes less than a month after NDLEA shut a similar massive lab in Abidagba forest, Ijebu East, Ogun State in May 2026, raising concerns about syndicates building a Southwest production corridor.

Source: NDLEA