The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained a Federal High Court order in Lagos to detain a cargo ship, its captain, and 20 other crew members after seizing 25.5 kilograms of cocaine at the Apapa seaport.
NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, discovered the cocaine hidden in the hatch of the merchant vessel MV San Antonio, which arrived in Lagos from Brazil on December 6, 2025.
After the ship’s cargo was fully discharged, 21 crew members of different nationalities including Russian, Filipino, Ukrainian, and Azerbaijan were taken into custody along with the seized drugs.
This development follows a similar operation by the agency on November 16, when officers intercepted another cargo vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, also from Brazil, with about 20 kilograms of cocaine concealed under its cargo at the same Apapa port.
Those detained include the ship’s master, Trofymov Oleksandr, and 20 other crew members.
In line with international legal procedures, the NDLEA on Friday, December 12, filed an ex-parte application before Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi of the Federal High Court, Lagos, seeking permission to detain the vessel and its crew while investigations continue.
Granting the request, the court ordered that MV San Antonio and the 21 crew members be detained for an initial period of 14 days pending the conclusion of investigations and possible filing of criminal charges. The case was adjourned to December 29, 2025.
Reacting to the court order, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), said the seizure confirms the agency’s determination to stop international drug cartels and their local partners from operating in Nigeria.
He praised officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for the successful operations, describing them as proof of the NDLEA’s improved capacity and strong resolve to combat drug trafficking.
Marwa added that the agency will continue working with local and international partners to maintain zero tolerance for drug abuse and illicit trafficking in Nigeria.
