Brazilian ship at centre of big Customs bust in Apapa 

The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service has intercepted 25.5kg of cocaine found onboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, during an intelligence-led operation.

The drugs, packed into 24 parcels and hidden in five bags, were uncovered during a joint inspection by Customs officers, leading to the detention of the vessel.

In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Suleiman Isah, the Customs Area Controller, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, described the seizure as a result of the strong collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

According to Oshoba, intelligence showed that the ship departed Brazil and made stops in Honduras, Guatemala and other ports known for illicit drug activities before arriving in Lagos.

He said the Command remains committed to preventing illegal trade at the port, in line with the Service’s zero-compromise directive.

“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 Customs leadership,” Oshoba said while handing over the drugs to NDLEA officials.

He added that the seizure and the detention of the vessel should serve as a warning to criminal networks attempting to use Nigerian ports for drug trafficking.

“As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security on the altar of trade facilitation. All consignments exiting this port must be duly examined,” he said.

The NDLEA took custody of the drugs during a brief handover ceremony at the port. The agency was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command.