A Federal High Court in Lagos will on Friday, July 24, rule on an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking approval to destroy a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Justice Musa Kakaki fixed the date after holding a special court session on Wednesday at the illegal laboratory located in Mowe village.
The NDLEA had earlier arraigned three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians on an 11-count charge over their alleged involvement in establishing and operating the illegal drug production facility.
According to the agency, operatives discovered equipment and chemicals allegedly used to produce 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value of more than ₦480 billion.
The suspects are accused of manufacturing and possessing large quantities of methamphetamine, a highly addictive psychotropic substance classified alongside cocaine, heroin and LSD.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendants operated and financed a drug trafficking network, transporting precursor chemicals—including toluene, phenyl-2-propanone (P2P), phenylacetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid—from Lagos to the laboratory using different vehicles.
The NDLEA further claimed that the defendants unlawfully possessed 358 kilograms of toluene, 1,834 kilograms of hydrochloric acid and 22.5 kilograms of acetone, allegedly intended for methamphetamine production.
All 10 defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
During Wednesday’s hearing, the prosecution’s first witness, Ajilema Anebi, a clandestine laboratory expert, testified that scientific analysis confirmed the recovered chemicals and equipment were used to manufacture and store methamphetamine allegedly meant for export outside Nigeria.
He also explained the role of the recovered chemicals in the drug production process and tendered several exhibits before the court.
While NDLEA urged the court to approve the destruction of the illegal laboratory, the defence challenged parts of the prosecution’s evidence and objected to some of the exhibits tendered.
Justice Kakaki adjourned the matter until July 24, when he is expected to decide whether the NDLEA can destroy the multi-billion-naira methamphetamine laboratory.
