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A critical investigation into an international drug trafficking ring just got deeper, as a Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the continued detention of the Brazilian-flagged vessel MV San Antonio and its 21 crew members for an additional 14 days. This comes as authorities intensify their probe into the astonishing seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine at Apapa Port.
Justice Friday Nkemakonam Ogazi granted the extension following an application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The agency highlighted the complex, transnational nature of the case, sophisticated concealment methods, and emerging links to Nigerian accomplices, all necessitating more time to fully dismantle the syndicate behind this illicit trade.
The Discovery: A Coordinated Interception
The MV San Antonio, which sailed from Brazil, berthed in Apapa on December 6, 2025. It wasn’t long before sharp-eyed officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) at Apapa Area Command moved in. Their meticulous search uncovered 25.5kg of cocaine, cunningly concealed in 24 parcels across five bags, hidden amongst a bulk sugar consignment.
Following the discovery, all 21 crew members, including the ship’s master Trofymov Oleksandr, were promptly arrested, and the vessel was detained. The NCS, in a testament to growing inter-agency cooperation, subsequently handed over the ship, the seized drugs, and the suspects to the NDLEA for in-depth investigation and prosecution.
Why the Extension Matters
The court’s decision, an extension of an earlier ex parte order from December 12, 2025, underscores the gravity and breadth of the ongoing investigation. Justice Ogazi described the NDLEA’s application as meritorious, adjourning the matter to January 13, 2026, for further updates on the investigation’s progress. This additional time is crucial for unravelling the full extent of this sophisticated network.
A Strong Message from Customs
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, the Apapa Area Command Controller, lauded the interception as a clear indicator of enhanced intelligence capabilities and robust inter-agency collaboration. “This seizure sends a clear message: no criminal can undermine our port system,” he asserted. Oshoba also revealed that the vessel’s route, which included known drug-trafficking hubs in Honduras and Guatemala, had triggered pre-emptive alerts, demonstrating proactive border protection strategies at play.
Protecting Nigeria’s Borders and Economy
This evolving case serves as a powerful example of the strengthened partnership between the NCS and NDLEA. Their combined efforts are vital in combating illicit drug trafficking, safeguarding Nigeria’s borders, and protecting the nation’s economy from the corrosive influence of international crime. The continued detention of the vessel and its crew marks another critical step in Nigeria’s relentless fight against drug syndicates.
Source: Original Article
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