NDLEA Charges Drug Baron and Three Mexicans Over N480bn Lab

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arraigned 63-year-old Anochili Innoc and three Mexican nationals—Juan Carlo Meza Torrero (49), Nemecio Martinez Felix (46), and Jesu Lopez Vall (40)—in a Lagos Federal High Court over the establishment of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory valued at N480 billion. The defendants faced 11 charges, including conspiracy and unlawful possession of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals.

The arraignment took place on Friday, with Justice Musa Kakaki presiding. The NDLEA's spokesman, Femi Babafemi, stated that the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations from May 16 to 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states.

The first raid uncovered a super clandestine laboratory hidden in a forest in Mow Village, Ijebu East Local Government Area. The agency recovered significant quantities of precursor chemicals and methamphetamine during the operation.

All defendants pleaded not guilty, and the trial is set to commence on July 3, 2026, with the matter adjourned until July 16, 2026, for a bail application.