Customs Intercepts 25.5kg Cocaine on Brazilian Vessel in Major Apapa Drug Bust
Kathy Kyari
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, in what authorities describe as a major intelligence driven operation targeting transnational narcotics trafficking.
The substance, packaged in 24 parcels and hidden inside five bags, was uncovered during a targeted search by Customs officers, leading to the detention of the vessel pending further investigation.
Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, said the breakthrough stemmed from strengthened collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to Oshoba, intelligence revealed that after departing Brazil, the vessel made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other narcotics-prone transit points, prompting heightened scrutiny upon its arrival in Lagos.
Handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA in a brief ceremony, the Controller stressed the Service’s unwavering stance against illicit activities at the ports.
“What you are seeing today is the result of detailed profiling and intelligence-driven operations by both the NCS and NDLEA,” he said. “This seizure and the detention of the ship sends a clear warning to criminal networks attempting to exploit our ports. No syndicate can outsmart the collaborative strength of our security agencies.”
He added that with the Yuletide season approaching, the Command will maintain strict enforcement protocols.
“Every consignment leaving Apapa Port must be thoroughly examined and must match its declaration. We will not compromise,” he asserted.
The consignment was received by the NDLEA team led by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, while the vessel remains in custody as investigations continue.
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