Nigeria’s anti-drug agency says the arrest of a Mexican national has led investigators to another suspected industrial-scale methamphetamine laboratory in Ebonyi State.

Lagos, Nigeria (Running Africa) — Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested Mexican national Arturo Carrera Loaiza and uncovered what the agency describes as a suspected methamphetamine production site in Ebonyi State.

Loaiza, 40, was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on August 19 as he prepared to leave Nigeria.

The NDLEA said its investigation subsequently led officers to a property in Ebonyi where chemicals and equipment allegedly associated with methamphetamine production were discovered. Loaiza has denied involvement in drug production.

Photos Allegedly Led NDLEA to Ebonyi Property

According to the NDLEA, investigators recovered photographs from Loaiza’s device that appeared to show him wearing a laboratory coat.

The agency said geolocation data attached to the images helped investigators trace the location to a property in Ebonyi State.

Officers who searched the site allegedly discovered chemicals and equipment associated with the production of methamphetamine.

CCTV Footage Forms Part of NDLEA Investigation

The NDLEA said CCTV footage recovered during the investigation appeared to show a man resembling Loaiza wearing a blue laboratory coat.

A Nigerian man was also allegedly captured in the footage. Investigators said he appeared to be overseeing the removal of chemicals and equipment from the property.

Authorities have not publicly announced a final determination regarding the alleged activities at the site.

Arturo Carrera Loaiza Denies Drug Production Allegations

Loaiza has denied being involved in methamphetamine production.

According to the NDLEA, he told investigators that he traveled to Nigeria after being invited to explore opportunities in the restaurant business.

The investigation remains ongoing, including efforts to identify people suspected of financing or facilitating the alleged operation.

NDLEA Investigates Suspected Mexican-Linked Drug Labs

The agency said the Ebonyi case forms part of a wider investigation into suspected Mexican-linked drug laboratories in Nigeria.

NDLEA officials say three major laboratory discoveries involving Mexican nationals have been reported within four months, including operations in Oyo State and another forest location.

The agency is continuing its investigation into the suspected network and the individuals allegedly involved.

The claims against Loaiza remain allegations, and his arrest does not establish guilt.