NCS Intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine, Hands Over Vessel to NDLEA for Probe

NCS Intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine, Hands Over Vessel to NDLEA for Probe
The drugs were packed in 24 parcels hidden inside five bags
Oshoba warned drug cartels against using Nigeria’s busiest port as a transit point for illicit shipments

In one of the year’s largest anti-narcotics breakthroughs at Nigeria’s seaports, the Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio.

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Eko Hot Blog reports that the vessel has been detained, while the narcotics have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

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The drugs, packed in 24 parcels hidden inside five bags, were uncovered during an intelligence-driven search shortly after the ship arrived at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for the Apapa Command, said the operation was the result of enhanced intelligence-sharing between the NCS and the NDLEA. According to him, investigators became suspicious after analysing the ship’s movement history.

Oshoba disclosed that the vessel departed Brazil its port of origin before stopping in Honduras, Guatemala and other locations identified by global security agencies as major drug trafficking corridors.

“Our intelligence revealed suspicious patterns in the vessel’s voyage and cargo profile. What has happened today is the outcome of meticulous profiling and the strong synergy between Customs and the NDLEA,” he said.

He noted that the seizure reflects the zero-compromise policy of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, who has repeatedly directed commands to prioritise national security.

NCS Intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine, Hands Over Vessel to NDLEA for Probe

Oshoba warned drug cartels against using Nigeria’s busiest port as a transit point for illicit shipments, especially during the festive season.

“This seizure and the detention of the ship should send a clear warning to criminal networks. As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security or economic stability on the altar of trade facilitation,” he added.

He further stated that all consignments exiting the port during this period will be subjected to rigorous checks to ensure full compliance with declarations.

At a brief handover ceremony, NDLEA officials led by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, took custody of both the cocaine and the vessel for further investigation and prosecution.

The Apapa Customs Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Suleiman, confirmed that the ship remains in detention pending the conclusion of the NDLEA’s probe.