Customs Intercepts 25.5kg of Cocaine Aboard Brazilian Vessel at Apapa Port
Nifemi Coker
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, during routine intelligence-led operations.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Suleiman, said the illicit substance was found packed in 24 parcels and hidden in five bags discovered on the ship. He added that the vessel had been detained following the discovery.
Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Oshoba, commended the operation, describing the interception as a product of strong collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He said preliminary intelligence showed that after leaving Brazil, the vessel made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other ports suspected to be drug trafficking hubs.
Oshoba reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to enforcing the Comptroller-General’s zero-compromise directive, stressing that only legitimate trade would be allowed to thrive within the nation’s busiest port.
“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 reinforced daily following the directives of the CGC.
“This seizure and the detention of the ship should send a strong warning to perpetrators of illicit trade within our port system. No criminal or group of lawless persons can outsmart us here,” he said.
He added that, ahead of the Yuletide season, the Command would intensify vigilance, ensuring that all consignments exiting Apapa Port are thoroughly examined and verified against their declarations.
At a brief handover ceremony, the seized cocaine was formally transferred to the NDLEA. The NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command.
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