Oluwafunbi Bello 
LAGOS, Nigeria – The Federal High Court in Lagos will on Friday, July 24, rule on an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seeking permission to destroy an alleged clandestine methamphetamine laboratory uncovered in a remote forest in Ogun State.
Justice Musa Kakaki fixed the date on Wednesday after conducting a special court sitting at the facility located in Mowe village, Ijebu East Local Government Area.
The application follows the arraignment of three Mexican nationals and seven Nigerians on an 11-count charge bordering on the alleged establishment and operation of the illegal drug laboratory.
According to the NDLEA, operatives recovered equipment and chemicals allegedly used to manufacture 2,419.48 kilogrammes of methamphetamine, with an estimated street value exceeding ₦480 billion.
Prosecutors allege the defendants manufactured and possessed large quantities of the psychotropic substance while operating and financing a drug trafficking network that transported precursor chemicals from Lagos to the forest laboratory.
The agency says the chemicals recovered include toluene, phenyl-2-propanone, phenylacetic acid, acetone and hydrochloric acid, all allegedly intended for methamphetamine production.
The defendants, who plead not guilty, are also accused of transporting the chemicals in several vehicles, including a Toyota Tacoma, a Mercedes-Benz and a Toyota Highlander.
During Wednesday’s proceedings, the prosecution calls its first witness, clandestine laboratory expert Ajilema Anebi, who tells the court that scientific analysis confirms substances recovered from the facility were used in producing and storing large quantities of methamphetamine allegedly intended for export.
After hearing arguments from both parties, Justice Kakaki adjourns proceedings until July 24 for a ruling on whether the NDLEA can destroy what the agency describes as a major methamphetamine production facility allegedly supplying international drug markets.
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Mirian Gom 
Edino Chubiyo Cornelius