ISLAMABAD: In a significant blow to international drug traffickingnetworks, Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has arrested 22Indian nationals, including the vessel’s master, after discovering 31.5kilograms of cocaine concealed aboard a merchant ship at Lagos’s Apapaport. The seizure, which occurred on January 2, raises questions aboutmaritime routes increasingly exploited by cartels originating from SouthAmerica.
The operation targeted the MV Aruna Hulya, a bulk carrier flagged under theMarshall Islands, during a routine port inspection at the GDNL terminal.Operatives found the illicit substance hidden in hatch three of the ship,prompting the immediate detention of all crew members on board, who wereexclusively Indian nationals.
Among those arrested is the ship’s master, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, alongside21 other crew members whose names have been released by authorities. Thisincident underscores the vulnerability of global shipping to drugsmuggling, where vessels flying flags of convenience are often implicatedin such activities.
Nigeria has emerged as a critical transit hub for cocaine destined forEurope and other regions, with West African ports serving as key entrypoints for shipments from Latin America. The United Nations Office on Drugsand Crime has highlighted the resurgence of maritime routes linking SouthAmerica to Africa, facilitating the flow of narcotics through under-policedcoastal areas.
Recent data from the NDLEA indicates a surge in seizures at Lagos ports,reflecting intensified enforcement efforts. In 2024 alone, the agencyreported intercepts worth over N100 billion in street value, demonstratingthe scale of the drug trade challenging Nigerian authorities and theirinternational partners.
This particular bust follows a pattern of foreign crew involvement incocaine trafficking via Nigerian waters. Just months earlier, similaroperations led to the arrest of Filipino sailors transporting cocaine fromBrazil, pointing to sophisticated syndicates recruiting internationalseafarers for concealment and transportation.
The cocaine, valued at millions on the black market, was meticulouslyhidden to evade detection, a tactic commonly employed by cartels to bypassscanners and inspections. Such methods highlight the evolvingsophistication of smuggling operations that exploit legitimate commerce.
NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi commended the operatives for their vigilance,noting that the agency continues to collaborate with global counterparts todismantle these networks. Investigations are ongoing to determine potentiallinks to larger cartels operating across continents.
The arrest of an all-Indian crew raises concerns about the recruitment ofmariners from Asia into illicit activities, possibly coerced or enticed byhigh rewards. Maritime experts warn that flags of convenience, like theMarshall Islands, can complicate oversight and accountability ininternational waters.
Read Top Stories
Broader statistics reveal Nigeria’s pivotal role in global drug flows, withports like Apapa handling vast cargo volumes that provide cover forcontraband. Enhanced joint operations with customs and internationalagencies have led to multiple high-profile seizures in recent years,disrupting supply chains.
This incident adds to a series of maritime drug busts in West Africa, wherecocaine from Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia transits en route to lucrativeEuropean markets. Analysts attribute the route’s popularity to weakerenforcement compared to direct transatlantic paths.
As probes deepen, authorities aim to uncover accomplices on shore and tracethe cocaine’s origin, potentially exposing ties to South Americanproducers. The NDLEA’s proactive stance signals a commitment to curbingNigeria’s reputation as a narcotics conduit.
The implications extend beyond borders, affecting diplomatic relations andmaritime security protocols. With crew members in custody, legalproceedings are expected to shed light on the operation’s full scope anddeter future attempts.
Source:https://prnigeria.com/2026/01/04/ndlea-seizes-cocaine-apapa/
Tags: Nigeria, NDLEA, Cocaine, Lagos Port, Marshall Islands, DrugTrafficking
ogimageimage-name