Illegal Drug Factory Discovered In Lagos

A Nigerian and three Bolivians are telling officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) how they came about the clandestine laboratory used for the illicit production of methamphetamine at satellite town, Lagos which they run.

The Chairman/Chief Executive of the agency, Alhaji Ahmadu Giade, who announced the arrest said the matter would not be treated with kid gloves, as such illegal outfit remains a threat to public health and safety.

Three Bolivians arrested are Yerko Artunduaga Dorado, 19, Ruben Ticona Jorge, 21 and Hugo Chavez Moreno, 39. The fourth suspect is a 23-year-old Nigerian, Uba Ubachukwu Collins. However, Solomon Azuka Uzoka and Basil Ikechukwu Uzoka are wanted for questioning by the anti-drug agency.

Giade said the laboratory was detected by operatives attached to the Lagos State Command. Items recovered at the production area include 41.150kg of ephedrine, 4.8kg of methamphetamine, other chemicals and sundry gadgets used in the laboratory. Three vehicles, a Honda Accord Saloon car, a Honda CRV and a Toyota 4 Runner were also impounded.

Giade stressed that clandestine laboratories constitute a serious threat to societal peace and security. In his words: "It is important to stress that such buildings are not safe for habitation. A house used for the illicit production of methamphetamine is simply a death trap. Tenants moving into new buildings are hereby advised to carry out discreet investigations on the previous occupants.

He also stated that the ugly development led to the recruitment of youths in smuggling the drugs across the borders. "Besides the environmental pollution, gullible and unemployed youths are being used to smuggle these drugs to countries with high demand. Several methamphetamine traffickers have been caught at the airports and land borders."

While condemning the existence of clandestine laboratories in the country, the agency urged members of the public to watch out for various clues to identify such laboratories.
The NDLEA discovered the first clandestine laboratory in the country in 2011. The accused persons have been charged to court and the case is ongoing.

Some of the tips include chemical smells coming from a building, skin irritation and coloured waters in gutters. Such laboratories have no sign posts. Unlike normal laboratories that are opened to the general public with known members of staff, clandestine laboratories operate covertly.

Most chemicals found in such laboratories are flammable, corrosive and toxic. Unprotected exposure to such chemicals could cause headaches, watery or burning eyes, burning skin, coughing or choking feeling, weakness and dizziness. Investigation into the case has commenced.
Methamphetamine is a powerful addictive stimulant that dramatically affects the central nervous system. It is produced using precursor chemicals. Findings show that there may be insignificant local abuse as it is mainly meant for export.