Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has obtained a Federal High Court order in Lagos to detain a merchant vessel and its 21 crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine.
The order, issued by Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi, allows detention for 14 days pending investigations and filing of charges.
NDLEA operatives discovered the cocaine on December 6, 2025, aboard MV San Antonio, which arrived from Brazil at Apapa seaport.
The drugs, concealed in the ship’s hatch, were recovered after cargo discharge during an intelligence-led operation.
The 21 crew members, nationals of Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, remain in custody alongside the vessel and seized consignment.
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NDLEA Chairman Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa stated the interception reinforces the agency’s resolve against using Nigeria as a drug transit point.
This seizure follows a similar November 2025 interception of 20 kilograms of cocaine on another Brazil-linked vessel at the same port.
The court granted the ex parte application on December 12, 2025, with the matter adjourned to December 29, 2025.
These operations highlight strengthened port surveillance and inter-agency cooperation in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat illicit drug trafficking through maritime routes.
