Apapa Customs nabs 25.5kg cocaine on Brazilian vessel, transfers case to NDLEA

By Stanley Ihedigbo

Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a significant drug consignment—25.5kg of cocaine—aboard the Brazilian ship MV San Anthonio during routine operations.

According to the Customs Public Relations Officer, Apapa Command, CSC Isah Suleiman, the illicit drugs were packaged in 24 parcels/slabs and hidden in five bags found aboard the ship during intelligence-led checks, which also resulted in the detention of the vessel.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command, lauded the discovery, describing it as a result of the robust synergy between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to the Area Controller, customs intelligence revealed that upon her departure from Brazil, the ship’s country of origin, MV San Anthonio called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala, and other locations suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trafficking.

Oshoba reiterated the NCS’s resolve to ensure that only legitimate trade thrives at the Apapa Port in Lagos, following a zero-compromise directive from the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further action, he also announced the detention of the vessel carrying the cocaine.

“What has happened today is the outcome of profiling and intelligence-led operations by the NCS and NDLEA. Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is reinforced daily following the directives of the CGC.

This seizure and detention of the ship should send a strong warning message that resonates with perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system. Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies, and no criminal or group of lawless persons can outsmart us here.

As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and the economy on the altar of trade facilitation. All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined, and the contents verified against declarations,” the CAC said.

At a brief handover ceremony at the port, the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took over the seizure from Customs.