In a major legal victory against transnational drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has successfully prosecuted and secured the conviction of 10 Thai nationals and their ship, MV Chayanee Naree, for attempting to smuggle nearly 33 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria. The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos handed down a total fine of $4.36 million on the convicted crew and their vessel, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against international drug syndicates.

Cocaine Smuggled Through Lagos Seaport from Brazil

The court found the Thai crew guilty of importing 32.9kg of cocaine into the country via the Apapa seaport, a primary gateway for international maritime cargo in Lagos. According to a statement released by NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the ruling came after over three years of painstaking investigation and legal proceedings.

The illicit drug shipment originated from Brazil, a known hotspot in global cocaine trafficking routes, and was intercepted upon arrival in Nigeria. The seizure not only halted a major inflow of narcotics but also led to a broad crackdown that included both international and local actors.

Timeline of Arrests and Charges

The NDLEA had initially arrested the Thai sailors and nine Nigerian accomplices on October 13, 2021. All suspects were formally charged in February 2022 with offenses ranging from conspiracy to unlawful importation of controlled substances. The charges, filed under sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, carry significant penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

The Thai defendants were named as Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom.

The Nigerian suspects—whose trial remains ongoing—include Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf.

Dismissal of No-Case Submission and Shift to Plea Bargain

At the onset of the trial, the Thai sailors filed a no-case submission, attempting to argue that the prosecution had failed to establish a prima facie case. However, the court dismissed their submission, accepting the NDLEA’s evidence that tied the accused directly to the crime.

Facing mounting legal pressure and overwhelming evidence, the convicted crew later opted for a plea bargain arrangement with the NDLEA, leading to the court’s final decision during a resumed hearing on May 15, 2025.

Sentencing Details: Vessel and Crew Fined Millions

Justice Daniel Osiagor, who presided over the case, imposed the following penalties:

• MV Chayanee Naree: Convicted for facilitating the transportation of illicit drugs into Nigeria. The court ordered a $4 million fine (or its equivalent in Naira).

• 2nd to 11th defendants (Thai crew): Convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the vessel to be used in the smuggling operation.

  • The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants were each fined ₦100,000 and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution.

  • The 5th to 11th defendants were also fined ₦100,000 each, with an additional restitution of $30,000 each.

Altogether, the financial penalties imposed totaled $4,360,000, a substantial deterrent aimed at discouraging future criminal enterprises from using Nigerian waters as transit points.

Ongoing Trial for Nigerian Suspects

Justice Osiagor adjourned the trial of the nine Nigerian co-defendants to June 25, 2025. The case against these individuals, who allegedly played supporting roles in the smuggling effort, remains a critical component of NDLEA’s wider investigation into domestic enablers of international drug trafficking.

Legal Teams and Proceedings

The prosecution was spearheaded by DCGN Theresa Asuquo, Director of Prosecution and Legal Services at the NDLEA, and ably supported by legal counsels A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. On the defense side, the team was led by three high-profile Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN): Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.

The court proceedings showcased the strength of NDLEA’s prosecutorial rigor and its capacity to handle complex transnational drug cases, involving both foreign and domestic actors.

NDLEA Chairman Praises Outcome

Reacting to the judgment, NDLEA Chairman, retired Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa, hailed the court’s decision as a decisive warning to global drug syndicates and their Nigerian collaborators. He emphasized that Nigeria would not serve as a sanctuary for traffickers and that the country remains committed to dismantling narcotic smuggling operations, regardless of their origins or reach.

“This judgment is a bold signal to international drug cartels,” Marwa declared. “Nigeria is not and will never be a safe haven for drug traffickers. The NDLEA will continue to pursue every case to a logical end, with the full force of the law.”

He also applauded the NDLEA prosecution team and officers from the Apapa Strategic Command, whose operational excellence led to the successful interception, arrest, and legal victory.

Broader Implications and Future Actions

This landmark conviction sends a strong message to international crime syndicates that Nigerian authorities are becoming increasingly adept at identifying, intercepting, and prosecuting major drug shipments. The use of maritime routes, especially from South American countries like Brazil, has posed significant challenges to authorities worldwide. But this case demonstrates Nigeria’s growing capacity to collaborate across borders and shut down these operations.

The ongoing trial of the Nigerian suspects will likely focus on uncovering the local logistics, support, and financial networks that enabled such a large consignment of cocaine to reach Nigerian shores. NDLEA has urged citizens and businesses operating within maritime and shipping industries to report suspicious activities, stressing that sustained vigilance is necessary to maintain national security.

As Nigeria strengthens its drug enforcement architecture, further reforms in port surveillance, inter-agency coordination, and international intelligence sharing may be on the horizon to prevent a recurrence of such smuggling attempts.