NDLEA gets court order to detain vessel, 21 crew members over ‘cocaine shipment’ from Brazil
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has secured an order of the federal high court in Lagos to detain a merchant vessel, its captain and 20 other crew members following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine concealed in the hatch of a ship at the Apapa seaport, Lagos.
According to a statement on Wednesday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, the commodity vessel, MV San Antonio, arrived Nigeria from Brazil before operatives of the NDLEA, acting on credible intelligence, uncovered the cocaine consignment on December 6, 2025.
After the vessel completed the discharge of its cargo, 21 crew members of various nationalities, including Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine and Azerbaijan, were taken into custody alongside the seized drugs.
Those detained in connection with the seizure include the master of the vessel, Trofymov Oleksandr, and other crew members identified as Stoychev Sergiy, Bobrov Maksim, Stupnytsky Sergiy, Bitinev Aleksei, Novruzov Teymur, Sosnov Oleg, Bondar Ihor, Klymenko Oleh, and Cala Michael De Jesus.
Others are Jamir Julfikhar Jacusalem, Blanco Crus Veloso, Fajardo Ronnel Luntaao, Gumela Lolito Jr. Serojano, Toston Romulo Jr. Oling, Smirnov Viacheslav, Gorre Mar Kemmeth Tabudlong, Cruz John Vhoie Glavez, Sablan Jamille Alorro, Abesia Kelvin Belarmino and Ubay Kenneth Biaoco.
In line with international legal protocols, the NDLEA on December 12, 2025, filed an ex-parte application in suit number FHC/L/MISC/1408/2025 before Frida Nkemakonam Ogazi, a judge at the federal high court, Lagos, seeking the detention of the vessel and the 21 crew members pending the conclusion of investigations and the filing of charges.
“An order of court is hereby made extending the detention of the vessel MV San Antonio being investigated by the applicant, National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), for fourteen days in the first instance following the seizure of 25.5 kilograms of cocaine aboard the said vessel on December 6, 2025, at Apapa seaport, Lagos, pending the conclusion of investigation and or filing of criminal charge and prosecution,” the application reads.
The court thereafter adjourned the matter to December 29, 2025.
Reacting to the development, Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman, said the latest seizure reinforces the agency’s earlier warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators.
“We remain resolute to frustrate the drug syndicates targeting the West African sub-region, especially Nigeria. This latest interception has once again confirmed that drug cartels will never get a foothold in the country,” Marwa said.
He commended officers of the Apapa strategic command of the agency for what he described as back-to-back successful operations.
“This is no doubt a testament to NDLEA’s heightened capacity and unwavering resolve in the fight against illicit drug trafficking. We will continue to collaborate with our local and international partners to ensure zero tolerance for substance abuse and drug trafficking in Nigeria,” he added.
Credit – Cable
