Nigerian authorities have secured a court order to detain a merchant vessel and its 21 crew members following the seizure of a significant cocaine shipment originating from Brazil. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted approximately 25.5 kilograms of the illicit substance hidden within the cargo of the MV San Antonio at the Apapa seaport in Lagos.

The operation, which took place on December 6th, 2025, was the result of credible intelligence gathered by NDLEA operatives. After the vessel completed its cargo discharge, all 21 crew members, who hail from various countries including Russia, the Philippines, Ukraine, and Azerbaijan, were taken into custody.

This recent bust follows a similar interception of another vessel, the MV Nord Bosporus, also from Brazil’s port of Santos. On November 16th, NDLEA officers discovered over 20 kilograms of cocaine concealed beneath the cargo of that ship at the same Lagos port.

The Federal High Court in Lagos granted the NDLEA an ex-parte application to detain the MV San Antonio and its crew for an initial period of fourteen days. This detention is pending the conclusion of the investigation and the potential filing of criminal charges and subsequent prosecution.

The suspects detained in connection with the latest cocaine seizure include the vessel’s Master, Trofymov Oleksandr, along with 20 other individuals whose names have been released by the agency. The court has adjourned the matter to December 29th, 2025.

NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), emphasized that these successful operations underscore the agency’s commitment to combating international drug cartels targeting Nigeria and the West African sub-region. He commended the officers involved and reiterated the agency’s dedication to collaborating with partners to achieve zero tolerance for drug trafficking.

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Keywords: NDLEA, cocaine seizure, Nigeria drug bust, MV San Antonio, Lagos seaport, Brazilian cocaine, crew detention, drug trafficking