The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has obtained a Federal High Court order in Lagos to detain a merchant ship and 21 crew members following a major NDLEA cocaine seizure at the Apapa Seaport.
According to the agency, operatives intercepted 25.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden inside the hatch of MV San Antonio, a commercial vessel that sailed into Nigeria from Brazil. The discovery was made on December 6, 2025, after NDLEA officers acted on credible intelligence.
After the ship completed offloading its cargo, the NDLEA placed the vessel’s captain and 21 other crew members under custody. The crew comprises nationals of several countries, including Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine and Azerbaijan. The detained persons include the ship’s master, Trofymov Oleksandr, alongside other crew members whose identities were released by the agency.
To ensure compliance with international maritime and legal standards, the NDLEA approached the Federal High Court on December 12, 2025, through an ex parte application. The suit, filed before Justice Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi, sought permission to detain both the vessel and the crew while investigations continue and possible charges are prepared.
The court granted the request, authorising the detention of MV San Antonio and the 21 crew members for an initial period of 14 days in connection with the seizure of the cocaine consignment at Apapa Port. The matter has been adjourned until December 29, 2025.
Commenting on the development, NDLEA Chairman, Buba Marwa, said the operation sends a strong message to international drug trafficking networks and their local partners. He stressed that Nigeria remains hostile territory for drug cartels attempting to use the country as a transit or destination point.
Marwa also praised officers of the agency’s Apapa Strategic Command for sustaining what he described as a string of successful anti-narcotics operations. He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to working with both local and international partners to maintain zero tolerance for drug trafficking and substance abuse in Nigeria.