GODWIN OBI
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have uncovered a clandestine illicit drug laboratory in Lagos and arrested a popular musician and other suspects linked to the operation.
The agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, confirmed in a statement on Monday that the discovery followed days of intelligence gathering and surveillance by the NDLEA’s Strike Force and Lagos State Command.
According to the statement, the laboratory — located in a highbrow area of Lekki, Lagos — was being used to manufacture methamphetamine and other synthetic narcotics. The NDLEA said the facility was equipped with sophisticated chemical processing equipment, precursor substances, and packaging materials for distribution.
The prime suspect, a musician whose identity was withheld pending further investigation, was said to have used his entertainment platform as a cover for large-scale illicit drug production and sales.
“The suspect and his accomplices were operating under the guise of a music studio. What we found on the premises was a full-fledged meth lab with high-capacity production materials,” Babafemi said.
He added that several kilograms of finished products, liquid chemicals, and laboratory apparatus were seized during the raid, alongside firearms and foreign currencies believed to be proceeds of the illegal trade.
The agency said the bust was part of ongoing nationwide operations aimed at dismantling drug syndicates and domestic production networks responsible for flooding Nigerian streets with crystal meth (commonly known as Mkpuru Mmiri) and other synthetic substances.
“This operation is a significant success in our fight against the local production of hard drugs. The NDLEA will continue to go after all criminal elements, regardless of their status or profession,” Babafemi added.
The arrested suspects are currently assisting NDLEA operatives with further investigations, while forensic experts have been deployed to analyze the recovered substances.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd.), commended the operatives for their professionalism and urged young Nigerians, particularly in the entertainment industry, to steer clear of drug-related activities.
“No amount of fame or fortune is worth the destruction drugs bring — to lives, careers, and society,” Marwa warned.
He reiterated that the agency would sustain its intelligence-led approach to ensure Nigeria does not become a hub for synthetic drug manufacturing or export.
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