Meth lab: Ebonyi community backs NDLEA, seeks prosecution

The Ugoni Community in Ebonyi State has backed the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s operation that led to the dismantling of a suspected industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory, saying individuals found responsible must face justice.

The Patron of the Ugoni Youth Development Union, Chinonso Obasi, stated this in a statement, while distancing the community and its residents from the alleged illicit drug operation.

Obasi said the community condemned the production and trafficking of illicit drugs and other criminal activities, stressing that the alleged actions of individuals should not be used to stigmatise the entire community.

He said, “We do not support, harbour, encourage, or condone illicit drug production or any criminal enterprise.”

The community leader urged the NDLEA and other security agencies to conduct a thorough, professional and impartial investigation into the establishment and operation of the alleged laboratory.

He called for anyone found culpable to be identified and prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law.

The NDLEA had recently announced the dismantling of an industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Ebonyi State as part of an investigation into a suspected transnational drug network operating clandestine laboratories in Nigeria.

According to the agency, its investigation led operatives to a property at Isiata Ugoni Okposi, where they recovered CCTV footage and other evidence allegedly linking the location to the movement of chemicals and laboratory equipment used in methamphetamine production.

The agency also reported the arrest of a Mexican national, Arturo Carrera Loaiza, whom it described as an alleged drug kingpin, in connection with the wider investigation.

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The NDLEA said the operation was linked to an investigation that began with the arrest of three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerian collaborators at a forest hideout in Ogun State in May 2026.

Reacting to the operation, Obasi commended officers of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit, particularly Deputy Commander Kabiru Zakari, whom he said reportedly led the operation.

He also commended the leadership of the agency under its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Buba Marwa (retd.), for its efforts against illicit drug production and trafficking.

Obasi said the community was particularly concerned about the potential consequences of clandestine drug laboratories on young people and the wider community.

He said, “Ugoni community does not stand with criminals. Ugoni stands with peace, lawfulness, responsible enterprise, youth development and the rule of law.”

He, however, appealed to the authorities to ensure that investigations focused on individuals allegedly connected to the operation rather than the community as a whole.

He said, “At the same time, we appeal to the authorities to ensure that the innocent members of our community are not collectively stigmatised because of the alleged actions of individuals. The criminal activities of individuals must not become the identity of an entire community.”

Obasi, a former National President of the National Association of Nigerian Students and pioneer National President of the Nigerian Youth Union, pledged the community’s cooperation with security agencies in efforts to keep Ugoni safe.

He urged the NDLEA to sustain its operations against illicit drug production and trafficking while ensuring that investigations and prosecutions were conducted in accordance with due process.