International drug cartels invading Ogun, Oyo forests with industrial meth labs — NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has raised the alarm over attempts by international drug cartels to establish industrial drug production bases inside forests in Ogun and Oyo states. The agency disclosed that Mexican-linked criminal networks are collaborating with Nigerian syndicates to set up large-scale methamphetamine laboratories hidden deep inside forests. The Director of […]…
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has issued a warning regarding the infiltration of international drug cartels into protected forests in Ogun and Oyo states. Mexican-linked criminal networks are working in tandem with local syndicates to construct large-scale methamphetamine laboratories concealed within these forests.
Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA's Director of Media and Advocacy, disclosed this information during a recent interview on Eagle 102.5 FM. The agency has recently uncovered numerous attempts by foreign criminal entities to infiltrate Nigeria's illicit drug market, prompting operatives to confront the drug traffickers directly in their forest hideouts.
Recent intelligence-led operations led to the discovery of meth labs in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states, while a similar operation in Ebonyi State also resulted in arrests. "We've seen recently the collaboration between the Nigerian-Mexican cartels trying to have methamphetamine laboratories in the forests of Ogun and Oyo states, and just a few days ago, we had one again in Ebonyi State, and those behind that have been rounded up," Babafemi stated.
The suspects arrested in connection with the forest labs are currently in custody, with further details to be released once all necessary protocols are completed.
This development highlights the global nature of drug trafficking, as foreign cartels actively seek footholds in Nigeria despite heightened security measures. Babafemi emphasized the importance of law enforcement agencies working together to combat this global challenge. In response to increased NDLEA surveillance, the cartels are now avoiding traditional transportation methods like airports and seaports, instead utilizing neighboring countries to import drugs into Nigeria.
The agency cited the dismantling of a cartel operating through the Togo-Benin Republic-Nigeria corridor, which had long fueled opioid abuse among Nigerian youths. NDLEA is also intensifying its efforts against drug trafficking on social media and the dark web, warning that influencers promoting drug use are now under surveillance.
Furthermore, efforts are underway to dismantle the cartels' financial networks and seize their assets.
Written by urgent.news from Daily Post Nigeria's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
