Nigerian authorities have apprehended 22 crew members of the bulk carrier Aruna Hulya after discovering approximately 32 kilograms of cocaine on board. The vessel departed from Santos, Brazil—a notorious hub for cocaine trafficking—and arrived in Lagos on December 26. Upon inspection at the GDNL terminal, officials found the illegal shipment hidden in the number-three hatch.
Santos is heavily influenced by the First Capital Command (PCC), a gang that has turned the agricultural region into a significant drug transshipment center. The PCC collaborates with international criminal organizations, including the ‘Ndrangheta in Europe and Balkan networks, facilitating the flow of cocaine from South America to European markets. Nigeria and its neighboring countries have increasingly become key transit points in this evolving drug trafficking network.
Cocaine from Brazil typically reaches West African nations like Senegal and Ghana before being shipped to Europe in seemingly legitimate containers. This method allows shipments from Nigeria to appear less suspicious to European customs compared to those directly from Brazil. While crew members are often unaware of hidden drugs, some jurisdictions hold entire crews accountable when drugs are found on their vessels.
Nigeria has previously conducted mass arrests related to drug trafficking. In November, all 20 crew members of another bulker, Nord Bosporus, were detained after authorities discovered 20 kilograms of cocaine concealed within its cargo, also originating from Santos.
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