By Seun Ibiyemi
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted 11 Indian sailors and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 315 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria, in a landmark judgment that underscores the country’s determination to combat international drug trafficking through its maritime corridors.
The convictions followed a successful prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which linked the crew members and the vessel to the importation of cocaine valued at approximately six million dollars ($6 million).
Delivering judgment, Justice Daniel Osiagor found the defendants guilty after a prolonged legal battle and imposed a $6 million fine on the vessel and its shipping company in addition to the convictions of the crew members.
The ruling marks one of the most significant maritime drug trafficking convictions secured in Nigeria in recent years and is expected to send a strong signal to international drug cartels and shipping operators involved in illicit narcotics trade.
The case originated from the interception of MV Chayanee Naree at the Lagos Port Complex, Apapa, by operatives of the NDLEA acting on credible intelligence obtained through international collaboration.
According to the agency, anti-narcotic officers conducted an extensive search of the vessel upon its arrival and uncovered 315 kilograms of cocaine carefully concealed within sections of the ship.
Investigators subsequently launched a detailed probe that uncovered what authorities described as a sophisticated transnational drug trafficking network using commercial maritime vessels to transport large quantities of cocaine across international borders.
The NDLEA said the operation demonstrated the growing sophistication of drug trafficking syndicates and highlighted the need for increased cooperation among global law enforcement agencies to combat the illicit trade.
Reacting to the judgment, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), hailed the court’s decision as a major victory in Nigeria’s war against narcotics trafficking.
Marwa commended the agency’s legal team, investigators and prosecutors for their diligence throughout the trial, as well as the judiciary for ensuring that justice was served.
He noted that the convictions and hefty financial penalty would serve as a deterrent to criminal organizations seeking to exploit Nigeria’s ports and territorial waters as transit routes for illegal drugs.
According to him, the judgment sends an unmistakable message that Nigeria will not tolerate the use of its maritime infrastructure for international narcotics operations.
The NDLEA boss further stressed that the agency remains committed to strengthening surveillance, intelligence gathering and inter-agency cooperation to dismantle drug trafficking networks operating within and outside the country.
Security analysts say the judgment represents a significant boost to Nigeria’s anti-drug campaign, particularly at a time when global criminal networks are increasingly turning to maritime routes to evade detection.
The conviction of the sailors and the vessel is also expected to reinforce confidence in Nigeria’s capacity to investigate, prosecute and secure convictions in complex transnational crime cases.
The latest court victory adds to a series of recent successes recorded by the NDLEA in its ongoing efforts to disrupt the supply chain of illicit drugs and prevent Nigeria from becoming a major hub for international narcotics trafficking.
READ ALSO:Nigeria’s oil output hits 15-month high, exceeds OPEC Quota in May
