NDLEA gets court nod to destroy N480bn meth lab in Ogun

By Innocent Anaba 

The  National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, has been granted leave by a Federal High Court in Lagos to destroy an alleged N480 billion methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in Abidagba Forest, Ijebu East Local Government Area of Ogun State.

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Trial judge, Justice Musa Kakaki gave the green light on  Friday despite opposition from three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians, who are standing trial over the alleged establishment of the factory and production of methamphetamine.

Justice Kakaki,  however, directed the NDLEA to preserve some disputed chemicals identified by the defendants for use during the trial.

The NDLEA, through its counsel, Buhari Abdullahi, argued that the application was necessary on public health and safety grounds, contending that the clandestine laboratory posed serious environmental and health risks.

He told the court that NDLEA officials had remained at the site for more than two months, exposing them to hazardous chemicals.

He recalled that the judge had personally inspected the laboratory on July 22, and observed that everyone entering the premises had to wear face masks and specialised protective equipment because of the toxic environment.

According to the prosecutor, even defence counsel had to take safety precautions during the inspection, while he suffered an allergic reaction that forced him to leave the site.

Counsel to the defendants, Benson Ndakara, opposed the application, describing it as premature and prejudicial to the defence. He argued that the alleged methamphetamine and other substances sought to be destroyed were crucial evidence in the ongoing trial and should be preserved until they had been tendered and admitted as exhibits.

After hearing parties, Justice Kakaki granted the NDLEA’s application but restrained the agency from destroying some of the disputed chemicals identified by the defence.

The defendants are Juan Torrero, 49; Nemecio Martinez Felix, 46; Jesus López Valles, 40; Nwankwo Sunday Christian, 41; Egwuonwu Uchenna Victor, 38; Igwe Abuchi Remijus, 43; Ifeanyichukwu Chibuike Joshua, 23; Omonughwa Kingsley Orike, 45; Nwobum Emeka, 59; and Anochili Innocent, 63, who prosecutors identified as the alleged drug baron.

They are facing an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, unlawful production and possession of methamphetamine, operating a drug trafficking organisation and unlawful possession of precursor chemicals.

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