The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered what authorities described as the largest methamphetamine production factory ever detected in Nigeria, leading to the arrest of a suspected drug baron, three Mexican nationals and several other suspects.

According to the agency, the operation followed an extensive intelligence-driven investigation targeting an international drug trafficking network believed to be operating within the country.

NDLEA officials said the illegal methamphetamine laboratory was equipped with sophisticated production facilities allegedly used for large-scale manufacturing of hard drugs for local distribution and international trafficking.

During the raid, operatives arrested a total of 10 suspects, including three foreigners identified as Mexican nationals, alongside Nigerian collaborators believed to be connected to the operation.

Authorities also recovered large quantities of suspected methamphetamine, chemical substances and equipment reportedly used in the production process.

The anti-drug agency described the discovery as a major breakthrough in the fight against organised narcotics operations and transnational drug trafficking networks in Nigeria.

Officials noted that the involvement of foreign nationals highlights growing concerns over international criminal syndicates using Nigeria as a production and transit hub for illicit drugs.

The NDLEA added that investigations are ongoing to uncover the wider network linked to the operation and identify additional suspects connected to the drug ring.

The agency has continued to intensify operations against drug trafficking, warning that individuals involved in the production and distribution of narcotics will face prosecution under Nigerian law.