Three Mexicans, seven others remanded over N480bn meth lab

On Friday, the Federal High Court in Lagos remanded three Mexican nationals and seven other suspects in connection with a methamphetamine laboratory valued at N480 billion. The accused, including Juan Carlo Meza Torrero (49), Nemecio Martinez Felix (46), and Jesu López Vall (40), were arraigned before Justice Musa Kakaki on 11 counts, including conspiracy and unlawful possession of methamphetamine.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) reported that the suspects were arrested during coordinated operations from May 16 to 18, 2026, in Ogun and Lagos states. The operation led to the discovery of a clandestine laboratory hidden in a forest in Ogun State.

The NDLEA's spokesman, Femi Babafemi, indicated that the suspects are linked to an international drug trafficking network. The court proceedings revealed that the defendants unlawfully produced and possessed 2,419.48 kilograms of methamphetamine.

The trial is set to commence on July 3, 2026, with the defendants pleading not guilty to the charges.