Narco-bust in Nigeria lands 10 jailed

Nigeria's anti-drug agency said on Friday it has charged ​10 suspects, including three Mexican ‌nationals, arrested during a raid on a methamphetamine lab in May in one of ​the country's largest narcotics busts.

The ​defendants were arraigned before the Federal ⁠High Court in Lagos on an ​11-count charge of operating an illegal ​drug lab, producing 2.67 tons of meth, and drug trafficking, the National Drug Law ​Enforcement Agency said.

They were arrested in ​coordinated raids in Lagos and neighbouring Ogun state ‌between ⁠May 16 and May 18, the agency added. Drugs and precursor chemicals seized in the operation had ​an estimated ​street value ⁠of $363 million.

The defendants pleaded not guilty and were remanded ​in custody until July 16 ​and ⁠22 for bail hearing and trial.

The case highlights growing concerns that foreign ⁠drug ​cartels are expanding ​their footprint in Nigeria.

-Reuters