LAGOS - NDLEA Intercepts 20KG Cocaine Shipment From Brazil Arresting Twenty Filipino Crew Members At Lagos Port [VIDEO]

 

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully intercepted a vessel arriving from Brazil, uncovering a significant haul of cocaine and detaining twenty Filipino nationals. The operation took place at Lagos’ Apapa seaport, where officers discovered 20 kilograms of the Class A drug hidden beneath the cargo of the MV Nord Bosporus. The vessel, registered under the number 9760110, had arrived from Santos, Brazil, a known hotspot for illicit drug exports.

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the discovery in a statement released on Friday, detailing that the narcotics were uncovered during routine inspection procedures conducted on Sunday, 16 November 2025. Babafemi highlighted the critical nature of the seizure, emphasizing the potential risks posed by such shipments in fueling organized crime networks within Nigeria and across West Africa.

The captain of the ship, Quino Eugene Corpus, along with 19 other Filipino crew members, were immediately taken into custody for interrogation and further investigation. Authorities are currently probing the extent of the drug operation, including possible connections to international smuggling syndicates and local distribution networks.

Legal measures have also been initiated to secure both the vessel and its crew. NDLEA filed an ex-parte application before Justice Musa Kakaki of the Federal High Court, Lagos, under suit number FHC/L/MISC/1306/25, seeking approval for the detention of the MV Nord Bosporus and the twenty crew members. The agency’s legal action underscores its determination to prevent any immediate attempts to release the vessel or personnel while investigations continue.

This seizure adds to a growing list of interceptions by Nigerian authorities targeting narcotics originating from South America, particularly cocaine shipments intended for the African market. Analysts note that Lagos, with its busy port facilities, has increasingly become a strategic entry point for traffickers attempting to move large quantities of illicit substances across borders.

NDLEA officials have called on shipping companies and port operators to maintain heightened vigilance and strengthen internal security checks. The agency reiterated that collaboration with international counterparts remains essential in dismantling transnational drug trafficking networks.

The interception of the MV Nord Bosporus sends a strong signal to traffickers that Nigeria’s maritime security apparatus is actively monitoring and combating illegal drug movements. With the investigation ongoing, authorities are expected to provide updates regarding potential arrests and further legal proceedings against those implicated in the smuggling operation.

The recent operation reinforces NDLEA’s commitment to safeguarding Nigeria’s borders against illicit drugs, emphasizing the agency’s proactive role in curbing organized crime and protecting public health and safety.