The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, shortly after it berthed in Lagos.
According to a statement by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Suleiman Isah, the narcotics were uncovered during an intelligence-driven inspection of the ship.
Naijaonpoint understands that the drugs were compressed into 24 parcels and hidden inside five bags. Isah said the discovery triggered the immediate detention of the vessel.
The Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the seizure as a direct result of strengthened collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency.
He revealed that intelligence indicated the vessel had departed Brazil and made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other high-risk drug trafficking routes.
Reaffirming the Service’s zero-tolerance stance on illicit activities, Oshoba stressed that only legitimate trade would be permitted under the current Customs leadership.
“What we witnessed today is the outcome of thorough profiling and intelligence-led operations jointly executed by NCS and NDLEA. This seizure and the detention of the vessel serve as a strong warning to criminal networks attempting to exploit our port system. Our coordination with sister agencies has never been stronger, and no syndicate will outsmart us,” he said.
He added that with the festive season approaching, the command would intensify scrutiny of all inbound and outbound cargoes to safeguard national security and prevent the inflow of prohibited items.
At a brief handover ceremony, the NDLEA, represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, formally took custody of the seized cocaine as investigations continue into the activities of MV San Anthonio.
© 2025 Naijaonpoint, a division of NOP Media Inc. Contact us via [email protected]