Nigerian Court Detains Brazilian Ship in Major Cocaine Bust

International Seizures

Posted by AI on 2026-01-03 15:43:23 | Last Updated by AI on 2026-02-04 16:58:48

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In a significant development in the ongoing battle against international drug trafficking, the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the extended detention of a Brazilian vessel, MV San Antonio, and its multinational crew, shedding light on a sophisticated drug smuggling operation. This decision comes after the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted the ship at Apapa Port, seizing a substantial 25.5 kilograms of cocaine.

The court's ruling, delivered by Justice Friday Nkemakonam Ogazi, grants the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) an additional 14 days to detain the vessel and its 21 crew members, who hail from Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan. This extension is crucial for investigators to unravel the intricate web of the transnational drug network. The NDLEA's initial ex parte court order, obtained on December 12, 2025, has now been extended, indicating the complexity of the case.

The NCS's Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, revealed that the vessel's travel history, including stops in Brazil, Honduras, and Guatemala, raised suspicions. This intelligence-led operation underscores the NCS's commitment to a zero-tolerance policy against narcotics trafficking. The collaboration between the NCS and NDLEA in this joint operation has resulted in a significant disruption to the drug trade, with the seized cocaine estimated to be worth millions on the black market.

As the NDLEA continues its investigations, the case highlights the persistent challenge of international drug trafficking and the need for sustained vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies to safeguard Nigeria's borders and ports. With the MV San Antonio's detention extended, the coming days will be crucial in uncovering the full extent of this global drug trafficking network.

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