US Warns Mexican Drug Cartels Are Targeting Nigeria as Authorities Uncover Multiple Methamphetamine Laboratories

The United States has warned that Mexican drug cartels are seeking to establish Nigeria as a major methamphetamine production base. The concern follows operations by Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which dismantled four suspected methamphetamine laboratories allegedly linked to Mexican criminal networks in 2026.

Michael Gonzales, a senior US State Department official, issued the warning during a visit to the NDLEA headquarters in Abuja on October 20. He praised Nigeria’s recent drug enforcement operations and stressed the importance of international cooperation in tackling increasingly complex trafficking networks.

NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa said one major operation uncovered a clandestine laboratory in Ijebu East, Ogun State, where Mexican specialists and Nigerian collaborators were arrested. Authorities valued the seized drugs and chemicals at more than $360 million. Other laboratories were discovered in Oyo, Enugu and Ebonyi states, raising concerns that criminal networks may be expanding local production rather than simply importing finished drugs.

US officials believe increased pressure on cartels in the Americas could be pushing them to explore alternative production and trafficking routes through Africa. From West Africa, illicit drugs could potentially reach markets in Europe, Asia and North America.

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant associated with serious health risks, including cardiovascular complications and mental health problems. Authorities are also concerned that profits from drug trafficking could support other criminal activities, including arms smuggling and the financing of armed groups.

Marwa said cooperation with US agencies has strengthened Nigeria’s drug enforcement capabilities. He cited more than 96,000 drug-related arrests and the seizure of over 15.8 million kilograms of illicit drugs over the past five years.

The latest warning highlights growing international concern over synthetic drug production in Nigeria. Authorities now face the challenge of dismantling the networks behind the laboratories, tracing their finances and preventing the country from becoming a major hub for international drug trafficking.