Joyce Mmereole Okoli
The Apapa Command of the Nigeria Customs
Service (NCS) has intercepted 25.5 kilogrammes of cocaine concealed aboard a Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio, during an intelligence-led operation at the nation’s busiest port.
Public Relations Officer of the Command, Chief Superintendent of Customs (CSC) Isah Suleiman, said officers uncovered the illicit substance neatly packed in 24 parcels and hidden in five bags found on the ship. The vessel has since been detained pending further investigation.
Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command, Comptroller Mohammed Abba-Kura Oshoba, praised the officers for the successful interception, attributing the feat to the sustained collaboration between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
He disclosed that preliminary intelligence indicated that the vessel, which departed Brazil, made stops in Honduras, Guatemala, and other ports associated with international drug trafficking routes.
Oshoba reiterated the Command’s commitment to enforcing the Comptroller-General’s zero-compromise directive on illicit trade, emphasizing that only legitimate commerce would be allowed to pass through the port.
“What has happened today is the outcome of profiling and intelligence-led operations by the NCS and NDLEA. Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is reinforced daily following the directives of the CGC,” he said.
“This seizure and the detention of the ship should send a strong warning to perpetrators of illicit trade within our port system. No criminal or group of lawless persons can outsmart us here.”
He added that the Command would heighten surveillance ahead of the festive season, ensuring thorough examination and verification of all consignments exiting Apapa Port.
At a brief handover ceremony, the seized cocaine was officially transferred to the NDLEA. The anti-narcotics agency was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander of the Apapa Strategic Command.