Mexican cartels expand meth production network into Nigeria
Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says Mexican drug cartels are increasingly establishing methamphetamine production operations in the country, turning West Africa into a growing manufacturing base for the global narcotics trade.
The development came into focus after authorities uncovered what they described as Nigeria’s largest meth laboratory in a forest near Lagos, where three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians were arrested. Investigators said the operation yielded more than two tonnes of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $360 million.
A second forest-based laboratory was discovered weeks later in neighbouring Oyo State, leading to the arrest of additional suspects, including a Mexican national described as a meth production specialist.
According to security officials, the discoveries highlight a shift in cartel operations from simply trafficking drugs through Africa to producing them on the continent. Intelligence agencies have linked some of the laboratories to Mexico’s powerful Sinaloa and Jalisco New Generation cartels.
US Africa Command (Africom) says at least 14 Mexican-linked meth laboratories have been dismantled across Africa since 2023, with Nigeria accounting for four of the five raids recorded this year.
Experts say methamphetamine production can be established almost anywhere with access to chemicals, equipment and technical expertise, making it attractive to international criminal networks. Authorities believe West Africa offers several advantages, including secluded forest locations, access to shipping routes, porous borders and a large youth population that can provide both labour and a potential consumer market.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has warned that the growing presence of meth laboratories raises concerns about increased drug abuse in Nigeria and across the region. A previous survey found illicit drug use in Nigeria exceeded the global average.
Officials also believe intensified pressure on drug cartels in Latin America has encouraged criminal groups to expand operations elsewhere, including Africa.
Despite the threat, Nigerian authorities insist they are strengthening surveillance, intelligence gathering and enforcement efforts to prevent the country from becoming a major hub for synthetic drug production.
The NDLEA says recent arrests and laboratory raids demonstrate its determination to disrupt cartel activities before the drugs reach local communities or international markets.
Source: BBC
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