Nigeria’s fight against international drug trafficking just got a significant boost. 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 critical extension comes as authorities delve deeper into the alarming discovery of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine intercepted at Apapa Port.
The Discovery: A High-Stakes Interception
The drama unfolded shortly after the MV San Antonio, arriving from Brazil on December 6, 2025, berthed at Apapa. Officers from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Apapa Area Command, acting on intelligence, meticulously searched the vessel. Their diligence paid off:
- 25.5kg of cocaine
- Concealed in 24 parcels
- Hidden within five bags
- Tucked away among a bulk sugar consignment.
All 21 crew members, including the ship’s master Trofymov Oleksandr, were promptly arrested, and the vessel was detained. The NCS, in a seamless display of inter-agency cooperation, subsequently handed over the ship, the illicit drugs, and the suspects to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
Deepening the Probe: Why More Time is Needed
Justice Friday Nkemakonam Ogazi granted the NDLEA’s application for the detention extension, recognizing the immense complexity of the case. The NDLEA articulated to the court that the transnational nature of the operation, the sophisticated concealment methods employed, and emerging links to potential Nigerian accomplices necessitate more time to:
- Fully dismantle the international drug trafficking syndicate.
- Unravel all connections and co-conspirators.
- Gather irrefutable evidence for a robust prosecution.
The judge deemed the application “meritorious” and adjourned the matter to January 13, 2026, awaiting an update on the investigation’s progress. This follows an initial ex parte order on December 12, 2025, which authorized the initial detention.
A Unified Front: Customs and NDLEA’s Collaboration Pays Off
This significant bust is a testament to the strengthened collaboration between the NCS and NDLEA. Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Apapa Area Command Controller, lauded the interception as clear evidence of improved intelligence gathering and inter-agency teamwork.
“This seizure sends a clear message: no criminal can undermine our port system,”
— Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba
Comptroller Oshoba further revealed that the vessel’s route, which included known drug-trafficking hubs in Honduras and Guatemala, had triggered pre-emptive alerts, demonstrating proactive intelligence at play.
Protecting Borders, Safeguarding the Nation
The MV San Antonio case underscores Nigeria’s unwavering commitment to combating illicit drug trafficking. It highlights the critical importance of protecting the nation’s borders and economy from the destructive influence of drug cartels. As the investigation continues to unfold, it sends a powerful message that Nigeria is not a safe haven for drug smugglers, and its law enforcement agencies are more united and determined than ever to bring them to justice.
Source: Original Article
