Nigeria’s drug trade: How Mexican cartels outsourced meth labs

These laboratories, where Mexicans have been working, have been found in Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa.

Since 2023, “we have seen… a total of 14 laboratories operating in Mexico (invaded) in 2023 (in Mozambique), six more in 2024, two in 2025 and five this year,” Grigo said.

“When I talked about the five labs this past year, four of the five are in Nigeria,” he added.

Information from Africom and the US Drug Enforcement Administration linked some of the labs to Mexico’s two biggest drug cartels, the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco Nuevo General Cartel.

In testimony to the US Congress in May, AFRICOM commander General Davin Anderson said armed groups and drug traffickers have been working together.

“Africa-based terrorist groups are funded by drug cartels, expanding the reach and lethality of terrorist groups,” he told lawmakers.

Unlike herbal drugs like cocaine or heroin, which can be grown and processed in certain locations, a synthetic drug like meth can be produced anywhere with the right chemicals and know-how, making it easier for organized crime groups to ramp up production quickly.

Known for its fast and long-lasting effects, methamphetamine provides a high euphoric, but very unpleasant side effects. There is a high risk of cardiovascular problems, malnutrition, and blood-related diseases if taken by injection.

It is very difficult to get rid of the drug, as it often causes feelings of anxiety, severe depression, fatigue and increased desire.

As methamphetamine traffickers establish new distribution networks, beyond the historic routes, more people are being exposed to the drug.