Nigeria Arrests 22 Indian Crew Members, Uncovers Cocaine on Merchant Ship

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has detained 22 Indian crew members from a commercial vessel after authorities discovered a quantity of cocaine at the country’s main port in Lagos, officials said on Sunday.

The seizure occurred on January 2 when the vessel, identified as the MV Aruna Hulya, docked at Lagos. Law enforcement officers found 31.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden aboard the ship, prompting the arrest of the crew members, a spokesperson for the agency confirmed.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency stated that the vessel originated from the Marshall Islands and was inspected in accordance with standard port security procedures. The suspects are being held as part of ongoing investigations into the importation and distribution of illegal narcotics.

Officials noted that this is not the first major drug interception at Lagos port in recent weeks, citing previous seizures involving other foreign crew members and substantial quantities of hard drugs. The agency said it is working with international partners, including U.S. and British anti-drug units, to trace the origins of the narcotics and dismantle trafficking networks.

Authorities added that the arrests and seizure reflect continued efforts to stem the flow of illegal drugs into Nigeria, a transit point for narcotics destined for markets across West Africa and beyond.