The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has asked the court for permission to dismantle what it describes as Nigeria’s largest clandestine methamphetamine laboratory as the trial of 10 suspects linked to the facility continues.
The application was made during a court sitting held at the laboratory site, where the prosecution argued that the hazardous nature of the environment makes it unsafe to preserve the facility for an extended period.
NDLEA prosecuting counsel Adekunle Adebajo told journalists that the court proceedings had been adjourned until July 24 after the prosecution filed an application seeking approval to dismantle the laboratory.
He explained that the environment was not conducive for prolonged occupation, making the application necessary while the criminal trial proceeds.Speaking at the site, NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, described the laboratory as a landmark discovery in Nigeria’s fight against illicit drug production.
According to him, the volume of methamphetamine recovered from the industrial-scale facility was enough to pose serious public health and security threats not only to Nigeria but also to neighbouring countries and other parts of the world.
Babafemi said the discovery, followed just weeks later by another industrial-scale meth laboratory in a different state, reinforces concerns that international drug cartels are attempting to establish methamphetamine production hubs in Nigeria, particularly within the South-West.
He noted that the syndicates have increasingly moved their operations into remote forest locations to evade detection but said the NDLEA has continued to dismantle the networks before the drugs reach communities or the international market.The agency disclosed that 10 suspects are standing trial in connection with the case, including three Mexican nationals and several Nigerian accomplices.
However, the prosecution said it remains confident of securing convictions while ensuring the safe destruction of the illegal drug production facility once the court grants approval.