12 dockworkers in custody linked to N9.5bn cocaine deals – NDLEA
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday said it was holding 12 dockworkers at the Apapa seaport in Lagos because of their significant link to the importation of 32.9 kilograms of cocaine worth over N9.5billion in street value. A Federal High Court in Lagos had granted an application by the agency for the interim […]
Buba Marwa, NDLEA boss
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), yesterday said it was holding 12 dockworkers at the Apapa seaport in Lagos because of their significant link to the importation of 32.9 kilograms of cocaine worth over N9.5billion in street value.
A Federal High Court in Lagos had granted an application by the agency for the interim attachment of a vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, used to import the 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport.
In a statement by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA noted, “Beside the attachment order, the court also granted the agency’s request to detain the master of the ship, Mr Tanahan Krilerk and 21 foreign crew members, as well as the dockworkers arrested in connection to the case.
“The anti-narcotic agency had on October 13 intercepted the ship at the Apapa seaport following intelligence from international partners and support from other security forces, such as the Nigerian Navy, Customs, Department of State Services (DSS) and the police.
“A thorough search of the ship led to the recovery of 30 parcels containing cocaine, which weighed 32.9kg.
“The application in suit number FHC/L/CS/1518/2021, which was filed by the agency’s director of prosecution and legal services, Joseph Nbone Sunday, on October 38, was granted the following day, October 29, by Justice A.O. Awogboro.
“An application to renew the remand order was also filed on November 12 because of the volume of evidence coming out from the cooperation of the suspects in custody.”
The NDLEA stated that clarification became necessary following claims by the Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria that some of its members were being detained unlawfully by the agency.