Nigerian anti-drug authorities have detained 20 Filipino seafarers following the seizure of around 20 kilograms of high-grade cocaine from a Panama-registered vessel at Lagos’s main port. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) announced the recovery, stating that the cocaine was concealed beneath coal cargo typically transported between Brazil and Colombia. Investigations are ongoing, with the entire crew in custody.
This incident underscores Nigeria’s role as a significant transit hub for drug trafficking aimed at Europe and other African regions. Earlier this month, the NDLEA collaborated with U.S. and British agencies to target a cartel linked to a separate cocaine seizure of 1,000 kilograms at Lagos port. This enhanced focus on combating drug trafficking coincides with increased American military presence in the Caribbean to address threats from Latin American countries.
The Filipino crew is being questioned about the ship’s route, and efforts to uncover the circumstances surrounding the concealed shipment are underway. This event highlights ongoing global initiatives to curb drug trafficking in the region and protect maritime security.
