MV San Anthonio Sails into Trouble Waters

…As Apapa Customs Burst Drug Consignment

BY FUNMI ALUKO

The Apapa Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has uncovered a cocaine consignment weighing 25.5kg onboard a Brazilian ship MV San Anthonio. A release by the Command Public Relations Officer, CSC Isah Sulaiman stated that the illicit drugs packaged in 24 parcels/slabs,were hidden in five bags found aboard the ship during customs intelligence led checks.

Comptroller Emmanuel Oshoba, Customs Area Controller for Apapa Port Command lauded the discovery while describing it as a fallout of the robust synergy between the NCS and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), the release stated.

According to the Area Controller, customs intelligence discovered that upon her departure from Brazil, which is the ship’s country of origin, she had called at ports in Honduras, Guatemala and other places suspected to be hubs for illicit drug trade.

Oshoba reiterated the NCS resolve in ensuring only legitimate trade thrives in the port of Apapa in Lagos, following a zero compromise directive by the Comptroller General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR.

While handing over the seized drugs to the NDLEA for further action, he also announced the detention of the vessel that came into Nigeria with the cocaine.

“What has happened today, is the outcome of profiling and intelligence led operations by the NCS and NDLEA. Our resolve to prevent unlawful trade is refreshed daily following the directives of the CGC.

” This seizure and detention of the ship should send strong message of warning that should resonate in the camp of perpetrators of unlawful trade within our port system. Customs is strengthening its synergy with all sister government agencies and no criminal or group of lawless persons can beat us here.

“As we approach the Yuletide season, we will not sacrifice national security and economy on the altar of trade facilitation. All consignments exiting this port into our markets or warehouses must be duly examined with the contents ascertained to be what was declared” the CAC said.

At a brief handover ceremony,in the port,the NDLEA was represented by CN Haliru Umar, Commander, Apapa Strategic Command, who formally took over the seizure from customs.