20kg Cocaine Seized as NDLEA Detains Crew of Brazil-Bound Vessel at Apapa Port

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a Brazil-bound vessel, MV Nord Bosporus (IMO 9760110), after discovering 20 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed beneath its cargo at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.

The illicit substance was uncovered on Sunday, November 16, 2025. In a statement released on Friday, NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed that the vessel’s Master, Captain Quino Eugene Corpus, along with 19 Filipino crew members, had been taken into custody.

Babafemi added that the agency subsequently approached the court for permission to detain the ship and its crew. Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court in Lagos granted the request on Thursday, November 20, approving their detention for an initial 14-day period to allow for further investigations.

Preliminary findings indicate that the MV Nord Bosporus was visiting Nigeria and the African continent for the first time, having mainly operated between Colombia and Brazil transporting coal. Captain Corpus reportedly assumed duty on the vessel only three months prior.

This latest seizure follows a similar incident six months ago involving 10 Thai sailors aboard the MV Chayanee Naree, who were convicted for attempting to smuggle 32.9 kilogrammes of cocaine through the same port. On May 15, 2025, a Federal High Court in Lagos fined the sailors and the vessel a combined $4.3 million.

NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (retd.), praised the Apapa Command and the Directorate of Seaport Operations for their efforts, describing the operation as evidence of the agency’s strengthened capacity and determination to safeguard Nigeria’s borders.

Marwa issued a stern warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators, stressing that Nigeria would not serve as a gateway for illicit substances. He emphasised that sophisticated concealment methods would continue to fail due to the agency’s enhanced intelligence and international cooperation.

He also cautioned Nigerians involved with foreign drug networks, noting that they would face severe legal repercussions.

The NDLEA further disclosed that between January 2023 and March 2024, it intercepted 207,976 kilogrammes of hard drugs at various seaports nationwide. In the first quarter of 2024 alone, 14 suspects were arrested with 16.69kg of cocaine and over 11,622kg of cannabis sativa. Additionally, 167 individuals were arrested with 196,336.99kg of assorted drugs between January and October 2023.