In brief
In a shocking move, Mexican cartels have set up covert methamphetamine labs in Western Nigeria, turning the country into a new hub for synthetic drug production. The NDLEA seized more than two tonnes of meth worth $360m during a recent raid. Nigerian judges even held a courtroom in the forested lab to expose the operation. Experts say this trend could spread across Africa and fuel drug use in distant markets. The crackdown shows authorities are stepping up intelligence and cross‑border cooperation to halt the build‑up.
SnapScope Reports: Mexican cartels are moving meth labs to Nigeria
Mexican drug gangs are partnering with local Nigerian crews to build secret methamphetamine labs deep in forested areas of Ogun state. During a raid, a court was set up right inside the illegal lab. The judge, Justice Musa Kakaki, inspected heavy chemicals and a lit drum of crystal meth.
The NDLEA said the raid was the largest meth bust in Nigerian history – more than two tonnes of meth worth $360 million were seized.
These labs give cartels fast access to Atlantic shipping routes and a cheap African market with a huge youth population. Officials worry meth use could surge in Nigeria, where 14.4% of adults report illicit drug use.
The trend is not just local. Mexican smokes are popping up in Kenya, Mozambique, South Africa – about 14 labs have been raided in the last couple of years, according to US‑Africa Command intelligence.
The cartels say the drug is the most potent version of meth. “Its purity and power can’t be beaten,” a US‑Afro‑Force partner said.
At the scene, a makeshift courtroom held a standoff—seven suspects in handcuffs faced a judge while evidence was secured. The Nigerian authorities claim the operation in the forest shows a new production hub for global markets.
The fight is on. In a publicized statement, NDLEA spoke of tighter surveillance, intelligence sharing, and a new strategy to stop "mexican meth" from flooding local and international markets. Nigeria says it won’t be a safe haven for cartels.
