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