LAGOS, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Lagos fines a merchant vessel and its foreign crew $6 million for importing cocaine into Nigeria, marking a strong stance against maritime drug trafficking.
The vessel, MV Nord Bosporus, and 10 Filipino crew members are penalised after authorities discover 20 kilograms of cocaine at Apapa port during a cargo inspection.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency confirms the arrests took place on November 16, 2025, leading to a four-count charge.
All defendants plead guilty under a plea bargain before Justice Ayokunle Faji, who ruled that the vessel violated provisions of the NDLEA Act.
The court orders the ship to pay ₦100,000 and $5.35 million in restitution, while senior crew members receive additional fines of $100,000 each. Other crew members are fined $50,000 each alongside ₦100,000 penalties.
NDLEA Chairman Mohamed Buba Marwa describes the ruling as a deterrent.
“This sends a strong message against drug trafficking through Nigeria’s waterways,” he says.
Authorities praise the swift prosecution and reaffirm commitment to combating international drug networks.
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