The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has obtained an order of the Federal High Court in Lagos to detain a cargo vessel, its captain and 20 other crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine at the Apapa seaport.
The cocaine was discovered hidden in the hatch of the commodity vessel, MV San Antonio, which arrived in Lagos from Brazil. NDLEA operatives, acting on credible intelligence, uncovered the drug consignment on December 6, 2025.
Following the full discharge of the ship’s cargo, a total of 21 crew members of different nationalities, including Russians, Filipinos, Ukrainians and Azerbaijanis, were taken into custody alongside the seized drugs. Among those detained is the vessel’s master, Trofymov Oleksandr, along with other crew members.
The arrest comes weeks after a similar interception at the same port involving another Brazil-bound vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, where about 20 kilograms of cocaine were discovered concealed under cargo in November.
In line with international legal procedures, the NDLEA filed an ex-parte application before the Federal High Court seeking approval to detain the vessel and its crew pending the conclusion of investigations. Granting the application, the court ordered the detention of MV San Antonio and the 21 crew members for an initial period of 14 days while investigations continue and possible charges are prepared. The case was adjourned to December 29, 2025.
Reacting to the development, the NDLEA leadership said the seizure underscores the agency’s resolve to block international drug trafficking networks from using Nigeria as a transit route. It also commended officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for the successful operation, noting that the agency would continue to strengthen collaboration with local and international partners to combat illicit drug trafficking and substance abuse in the country.
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