A Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the continued detention of the Brazilian-flagged vessel MV San Antonio and its 21 crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine at Apapa Port.
Okay News reports that Justice Friday Nkemakonam Ogazi granted the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) an additional 14 days to wrap up investigations into the suspected transnational drug trafficking syndicate.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) hailed the ruling as a strong reaffirmation of its zero-tolerance policy against narcotics smuggling.
Apapa Port Customs Area Controller Emmanuel Oshoba revealed that the vessel’s route—stopping in Brazil, Honduras, and Guatemala—raised immediate red flags for intelligence teams.
The cocaine was discovered on December 6, 2025, concealed in 24 parcels hidden across five sugar bags shortly after the ship berthed from Brazil.
The joint NCS-NDLEA operation led to the arrest of all 21 crew members, including captain Trofymov Oleksandr, comprising nationals from Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan.
An initial 14-day detention order was secured ex parte on December 12, 2025.
The NDLEA suspects involvement of a broader syndicate with Nigerian links.
This seizure follows a similar November 2025 interception on the Brazil-linked MV Nord Bosporus and other major hauls, including N29.4 billion worth of cocaine and N1.1 billion in codeine syrup.
The incidents underscore heightened vigilance and inter-agency collaboration at Nigeria’s premier port to combat South American drug routes.
