In a major international drug bust, Nigerian authorities have arrested 22 Indian crew members of a merchant vessel after discovering a large consignment of cocaine on board. The seizure underscores Nigeria's ongoing battle as a key transit hub for narcotics destined for global markets.
Major Cocaine Haul on Merchant Ship
The operation was carried out by Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Apapa port in Lagos, the country's main seaport. The agency confirmed that the seizure of 31.5 kilograms of cocaine took place on Friday aboard the vessel named MV Aruna Hulya.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi stated that the ship had originated from the Marshall Islands. Following the discovery, all 22 Indian nationals serving as crew members on the ship were taken into custody. The agency has launched a full-scale investigation into the source and intended destination of the illicit drugs.
Lagos Port: A Recurring Hotspot for Drug Trafficking
This incident is not an isolated one for the busy Lagos port. The NDLEA highlighted that the port has been a repeated target for international drug cartels. In a similar case in November, the agency arrested 20 Filipino sailors who were found carrying at least 20 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil.
Earlier in the same month, the Nigerian agency revealed it was collaborating with US and British anti-drug agencies to investigate a cartel linked to the importation of a massive 1,000 kilograms of cocaine. That consignment was discovered hidden inside a shipping container at the same port.
Nigeria's Role in Global Drug Trade
For years, Nigeria has been identified as a significant production and trafficking hub for narcotics, particularly for routes leading to Europe and other African nations. The country's strategic location and extensive coastline make it a preferred transit point for syndicates moving drugs from South America to other parts of the world.
The arrest of the Indian crew members is part of a broader crackdown by the NDLEA to curb this flow and dismantle the networks operating through the country's maritime channels. The case involving the MV Aruna Hulya is currently developing, with authorities working to uncover the broader connections behind this smuggling attempt.
