Brazilian Ship Intercepted with 25.5kg Cocaine at Lagos Port

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted a Brazilian ship, MV San Anthonio, at the Lagos Port Complex with 25.5 kilograms of cocaine on board.

The drugs were packed in 24 parcels and hidden in five bags carefully concealed on the vessel.

The Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the operation was driven by intelligence and carried out in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

Oshoba, who lauded the discovery, attributed it to the strong cooperation between the NCS and the NDLEA.

According to Oshoba, customs intelligence indicated that after leaving Brazil, the country of origin, the ship made stops in Honduras, Guatemala and other locations known for illicit drug activities.

He reaffirmed the NCS commitment to ensuring that only legitimate trade thrives at the Apapa Port, in line with the zero compromise directive of the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi.

While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further investigation, Oshoba also announced the detention of the vessel.

“What has happened today is the outcome of profiling and intelligence led operations by the NCS and NDLEA. Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is refreshed daily following the directives of the CGC.

“This seizure and the detention of the ship should serve as a strong warning to those engaging in unlawful trade within our port system. Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal group of lawless persons can beat us here.

“As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and the economy on the altar of trade facilitation. All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined and confirmed to match their declarations,” he said.

At the brief handover ceremony at the port, the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, who formally received the drugs from customs.

The details were contained in a statement issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Suleiman. (Daily trust)