The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has intercepted 25.5kg of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, in what officials describe as one of the command’s most significant intelligence-driven operations this year.
The illicit drugs — 24 tightly packed parcels hidden in five bags — were uncovered during a meticulous, intelligence-led inspection, prompting authorities to immediately detain the vessel.
In a statement issued by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Chief Superintendent of Customs Suleiman Isah, the Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port, Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, hailed the successful operation as a testament to the strengthened collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
According to Oshoba, customs intelligence revealed that after leaving Brazil, the vessel made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other ports known to be hotspots for international drug trafficking — raising red flags that ultimately led to the bust.
“Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is refreshed daily. This seizure and the detention of the ship should send a strong message to perpetrators of illicit trade — no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here,” he said.
He warned that as the yuletide season approaches, the Apapa Command will not sacrifice national security for trade facilitation, stressing that all consignments passing through the port will undergo thorough examination.
During a brief ceremony at the port, the seized cocaine was officially handed over to the NDLEA, represented by Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command, for further investigation and action.
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