Customs intercepts 25.5kg cocaine aboard Brazilian vessel in Lagos

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, which docked in Lagos.

The Command’s spokesperson, CSC Isah Sulaiman, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.

He said the narcotics were discovered during an intelligence-led operation that prompted the detention of the vessel.

The drugs, weighing 25.5kg, were found packaged in 24 parcels and hidden inside five bags on the ship.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Area Controller of the Apapa Command, described the interception as a product of enhanced collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

He noted that intelligence reports indicated that the vessel had sailed from Brazil and made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other locations linked to illicit drug activities.

Oshoba reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to enforcing the Comptroller-General of Customs Adewale Adeniyi’s zero-compromise directive aimed at sustaining legitimate trade within the Apapa Port.

“This operation is the result of thorough profiling and intelligence-driven efforts by both the NCS and the NDLEA,” he said during the handover of the seized substances to the NDLEA.

“The seizure and detention of the vessel send a strong warning to those involved in unlawful trade.

“As we approach the Yuletide season, national security and economic integrity will not be compromised.”

He added that all consignments leaving the port would undergo strict examination to ensure compliance with declared contents.

The confiscated cocaine was formally handed over to Mr. Haliru Umar, Commander of the NDLEA Apapa Strategic Command, who assured that a comprehensive investigation would be launched to identify and apprehend those responsible for the drug trafficking attempt.