The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has disclosed that a precursor chemical used in the production of fentanyl was discovered during the dismantling of a major methamphetamine laboratory in Ogun State.
The agency made the revelation in a statement released on Thursday by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi. According to NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Brig-Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), forensic analysis of materials recovered from the site confirmed the presence of the fentanyl-related chemical.
The industrial-scale laboratory, hidden in a deep forest spanning the Abidagba and Iroto communities in Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State, was dismantled by NDLEA operatives in May 2026. The operation resulted in the arrest of 10 suspects three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians and the seizure of approximately 2.4 tonnes of methamphetamine and precursor chemicals valued at over ₦480 billion.
“With the seizure about two months ago and dismantlement of the meth lab in the deep forest of Ogun State, we relied on the forensic equipment to determine the precursor chemicals. And we discovered one of the precursor chemicals was in fact for the production of fentanyl, which is bad news. Nobody wants to hear that word,” Marwa said.
The NDLEA described the discovery as a significant development in its ongoing efforts to combat the production and trafficking of synthetic drugs in Nigeria. The suspects remain in custody and face prosecution.
The agency reaffirmed its commitment to disrupting clandestine laboratories and transnational drug networks operating within the country.