The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained a Federal High Court order in Lagos to detain a vessel, its captain, and 20 crew members after 25.5 kilograms of cocaine were discovered onboard.
According to Mr. Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy at NDLEA, the drug was found in the hatch of a cargo ship arriving from Brazil and seized at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
Babafemi explained that NDLEA operatives, acting on reliable intelligence, intercepted the cocaine on December 6 aboard the merchant vessel MV San Antonio.
“Following the full discharge of the cargo, 21 crew members of various nationalities, including Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, were taken into custody along with the narcotics,” he said.
He noted that this seizure comes shortly after a similar operation involving the MV Nord Bosporus, also arriving from Brazil, where over 20 kilograms of cocaine were discovered on November 16 at Apapa seaport.
Babafemi stated that, adhering to international legal protocols, NDLEA filed an ex-parte application on December 12 before Justice Frida Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeking the detention of the ship and crew pending formal charges.
The court granted the request, ordering that the MV San Antonio remain detained for 14 days initially, pending completion of the investigation and filing of criminal charges. The case has been adjourned to December 29.
Reacting to the development, NDLEA Chairman retired Brig.-Gen. Buba Marwa affirmed that the seizure demonstrates Nigeria’s firm stance against drug trafficking.
Marwa praised the officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for their successful operations, stating, “This underscores NDLEA’s enhanced capacity and commitment to combating drug syndicates in West Africa. We will continue working with local and international partners to ensure zero tolerance for illicit drug activity in Nigeria.”