The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured a Federal High Court order in Lagos authorising the detention of a merchant vessel and its 21 crew members following the seizure of a consignment of cocaine at the Apapa seaport.
The vessel, MV San Antonio, arrived in Nigeria from Brazil when NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, discovered 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed on board. The drugs were recovered after the ship docked and its legitimate cargo was discharged.
Subsequently, the NDLEA filed an ex parte application before the Federal High Court, seeking approval to detain the vessel and its crew pending the conclusion of investigations. Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi granted the request, ordering that the ship and crew be held for an initial 14-day period to allow the agency complete its probe and determine further legal action.
The NDLEA said the operation reflects its sustained efforts to prevent Nigeria’s seaports from being used for international drug trafficking, adding that investigations into the source and intended destination of the drugs are ongoing. Visit www.jocomms.com for more news.
