NDLEA Arrests 22 Indian Crew Members in Drug Bust

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has arrested 22 Indian crew members of a merchant vessel after 31.5 kilogrammes of cocaine were discovered on board at Lagos’s main seaport.

The Agency said the seizure was made on January 2 aboard the MV Aruna Hulya, which originated from the Marshall Islands.

This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday, January 4, by the agency’s spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.

NDLEA Arrests 22 Indian Members in Drug Bust — NDLEA arrests 22 Indian members in drug bust. Credit: Gazettengr

Nigeria has long been identified as a significant transit and production hub for illicit drugs destined for Europe and other parts of Africa.

The latest arrest comes amid heightened surveillance at the country’s ports.

In November, the NDLEA announced the arrest of 20 Filipino sailors accused of trafficking at least 20 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil to the same Lagos port.

Earlier in the same month, the agency said it was collaborating with the United States and British anti-drug authorities to investigate a cartel linked to the importation of 1,000 kilogrammes of cocaine found concealed in a container at a Lagos port.