Nigeria Detains Brazilian Vessel After Customs’ Shocking Discovery

A Brazilian vessel, MV San Anthonio is currently being held on Nigerian shores following what the authorities have described as shocking discovery onboard the vessel.

The discovery was a major fallout of a collaborative effort of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

A quantity of illicit substance, packed into 24 parcels or slabs, and concealed in five bags discovered during an intelligence-led Customs inspection on the Brazilian vessel.

A statement signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Suleiman Isah, a Chief Superintendent of Customs, said the Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command commended the discovery.

The Area Controller, identified Brazil as the vessel’s point of origin.

Providing a background, he said customs intelligence discovered that upon her departure from Brazil, the ship had also called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala and other places suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trade.

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“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 refreshed daily following the directives of the Customs leadership

“This seizure and detention of the ship should send strong message of warning that should resonate in the camp of perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system.

“Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here.

“As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation. All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined with the contents ascertained to be what was declared,” the CAC said.

Oshoba also stated that following a zero compromise directive by the leadership of Customs Service only legitimate trade would be allowed to thrive in the port of Apapa

He handed over the drugs to the NDLEA for further action, but said the vessel that came into Nigeria with the cocaine would still be held.

At a brief handover ceremony in the port, the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander, Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took over the seizure from customs.