Nigeria Convicts 11 Indian Sailors Over Cocaine Trafficking, Vessel Ordered To Pay $5.3 Million

A Nigerian court has convicted 11 Indian sailors, including the ship’s master, in a cocaine trafficking case involving 31.5 kilograms of cocaine found on a merchant vessel at Apapa port in Lagos.

The Federal High Court in Lagos issued the ruling and imposed total financial penalties of about $6 million. This includes a $5.3 million fine ordered against the vessel.

According to Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the cocaine was brought into the country from the Marshall Islands on the merchant ship and was discovered during an inspection at Apapa port, one of Nigeria’s busiest seaports.

The crew was arrested in January after NDLEA officers found the drugs hidden on board. The vessel has been identified as MV Aruna Hulya.

Justice Joseph Chukwujekwu Aneke convicted the ship’s master and 10 other Indian crew members under the NDLEA Act.

Under the court order, the vessel must pay $5.3 million to the Nigerian government. Three senior officers were fined $100,000 each, while the remaining crew members were fined $50,000 each. Each person was also ordered to pay 100,000 Nigerian naira.

The NDLEA said the ship’s owners are responsible for the vessel fine, and if it is not paid, the ship may be auctioned under Nigerian law.

NDLEA Chairman Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retired) said the ruling sends a strong warning to drug trafficking groups, saying it is a “resounding message” that Nigeria will not allow its ports or shipping routes to be used for illegal drugs.

Nigeria has been increasing enforcement against drug trafficking through its ports, airports, and borders, with Apapa port remaining a key focus due to its high volume of international trade.

References: firstpost, deccanherald