The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arraigned a 63-year-old alleged drug baron, Anochili Innocent, alongside three Mexican nationals and six other Nigerians before the Federal High Court in Lagos over the alleged operation of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in Lekki. The defendants were brought before the court on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful establishment of a methamphetamine production facility, illegal manufacture and possession of 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, as well as allegedly operating a drug trafficking organization. According to the NDLEA, its operatives uncovered sophisticated equipment and large quantities of chemicals allegedly used in the production of methamphetamine during the operation. The agency estimated the street value of the seized narcotics at over ₦480 billion, describing the discovery as one of the most significant drug busts in the country’s history. Among the chemicals recovered were toluene, hydrochloric acid, and acetone, which investigators said were intended for the production of methamphetamine. The anti-narcotics agency maintained that the operation underscores its continued commitment to dismantling drug trafficking networks and curbing the manufacture and distribution of illicit substances across Nigeria. The arraignment marks another major step in the NDLEA’s sustained crackdown on organized drug syndicates, with the case expected to proceed before the Federal High Court in Lagos. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by the court. See pictures below