NDLEA Seizes 20kg Cocaine from Brazilian Ship at Apapa; 20 Filipino Crew Detained

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully intercepted a shipment of cocaine originating from Brazil aboard the vessel MV Nord Bosporus at the Apapa seaport in Lagos. On Sunday, November 16, 2025, officers discovered 20 kilograms of cocaine concealed under the ship’s cargo. Following the seizure, the ship’s Master, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus, along with 19 Filipino crew members, were detained for investigation. The Federal High Court in Lagos granted a 14-day detention order for the vessel and crew on November 20, 2025.

This interception follows a similar case half a year ago when 10 Thai sailors were convicted and fined $4.3 million for trafficking cocaine through the same port. The NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), praised the agency’s personnel for their vigilance and professionalism, emphasizing the Nigerian government’s zero-tolerance policy against drug trafficking. Marwa warned international drug cartels and local collaborators that Nigeria would not serve as a foothold for their illicit activities. The NDLEA remains committed to tightening control over entry and exit points, especially seaports, to prevent drug smuggling.

Marwa also warned Nigerians against collaborating with foreign drug syndicates, stating that such acts constitute betrayal of the nation’s future and will be met with severe legal consequences, including asset seizure and incarceration.

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