The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service, NCS, has intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio.
According to a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Suleiman Isah, the narcotics were recovered during an intelligence-driven inspection of the ship.
The drugs, compressed into 24 parcels and hidden in five bags, were discovered shortly after the vessel berthed in Lagos, prompting its immediate detention.
Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port, described the seizure as a product of enhanced collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.
He revealed that intelligence reports indicated the vessel had departed Brazil and made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other high-risk locations known for drug trafficking.
Oshoba reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to upholding its zero-tolerance stance on illicit activities at Apapa Port, stressing that only legitimate trade would be allowed to thrive under the current Customs leadership.
During the official handover of the confiscated cocaine to NDLEA, Oshoba announced that MV San Anthonio had been placed under detention pending further investigation.
“What we witnessed today is the outcome of thorough profiling and intelligence-led operations jointly executed by NCS and NDLEA. This seizure, and the detention of the vessel, serves as a strong warning to criminal networks attempting to exploit our port system. Our coordination with sister agencies has never been stronger, and no syndicate will outsmart us,” he said.
He added that with the festive season approaching, the command would intensify scrutiny of all inbound and outbound cargoes to safeguard national security and protect the economy from the inflow of prohibited items.
NDLEA, represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, formally took custody of the drugs at a brief handover ceremony.
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