NIGERIA: Apapa Customs Seize 25.5kg Cocaine On Brazilian Ship, Detain Vessel

By Onoja Baba, Nigeria 

The Nigeria Customs Service, Apapa Area Command, has intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden aboard the Brazilian-flagged vessel MV San Anthonio, prompting an immediate tightening of security at the nation’s busiest port.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Isah Sulaiman, the illicit drugs, concealed in 24 parcels packed into five bags, were discovered during a 100-per-cent physical examination of the ship. The vessel has since been detained pending further investigations.

Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the seizure as a testament to the enhanced collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He revealed that intelligence on the ship’s route, originating from Brazil and transiting through known drug-trafficking hubs including Honduras and Guatemala, triggered the operation.

Comptroller Oshoba reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the zero-tolerance policy of Comptroller-General Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, warning that “only legitimate trade will be allowed through Apapa Port.” He stressed that heightened vigilance will continue throughout the Yuletide season, with every consignment subjected to thorough examination.

During a brief handover ceremony at the port, NDLEA Commander of Apapa Strategic Command, Haliru Umar, received the seized substance and the detained vessel from Customs for onward investigation and prosecution.

The interception comes as security agencies intensify efforts to curb the influx of hard drugs through Nigeria’s seaports ahead of the festive period.