A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Filipino sailors and a commercial vessel for drug trafficking, imposing a combined fine of $6 million for importing 20 kilograms of cocaine into the country.
The judgment follows an investigation into the illegal shipment, which authorities said was brought into the country through maritime channels.
The court found the crew members and the ship culpable for their roles in transporting the illicit substance.
According to prosecutors, the cocaine was discovered during an inspection, leading to the arrest of the foreign crew and subsequent legal proceedings.
The court ruled that the actions of the sailors and the vessel violated Nigeria’s drug control laws, stressing the need for strict enforcement to deter international trafficking networks.
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In addition to the financial penalty, the conviction marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat drug smuggling and transnational organized crime.
Anti-narcotics authorities have repeatedly warned that drug trafficking through the country’s ports remains a major security and public health concern, with increased surveillance and enforcement measures being deployed to curb the trend.
Officials say the case underscores the country’s commitment to holding both individuals and corporate entities accountable for drug-related offences, regardless of nationality.
