The Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, has convicted 10 Thai sailors and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into the country through the Apapa seaport.
The court imposed a cumulative fine of $4.36 million, sending a strong message to international drug cartels and their local collaborators.
Justice Daniel Osiagor gave the ruling after three years of diligent prosecution by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).
The convicted sailors are Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, and Marut Kantaprom.
Others include Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom.
The Thai sailors were arrested on October 13, 2021, alongside nine Nigerian nationals during a sting operation at Apapa Port.
Related Articles:
- 21-year-old woman arrested in Nasarawa for trafficking 481 rounds of ammunition to criminal gangs
- 78 rescued victims of human trafficking arrive Nigeria from Cote d’ Ivoire
- Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs rejects plea bargain, set to face trial in sexual trafficking case
They were first arraigned in February 2022 on charges of conspiracy and unlawful transportation of cocaine from Brazil to Nigeria, violating sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, 2004.
The defendants had earlier filed a no-case submission, which the court dismissed after the NDLEA prosecutors, led by the Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Theresa Asuquo, established a prima facie case.
Subsequently, the defendants entered a plea bargain agreement, leading to their conviction.
Justice Osiagor ruled that the MV Chayanee Naree was guilty of transporting the illicit drug consignment and fined the vessel $4 million or its naira equivalent.
Additionally, the second to 11th defendants were convicted under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the use of the vessel for unlawful purposes.
The second, third, and fourth defendants were each fined N100,000 and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution to the federal government.
Also, the fifth to 11th defendants received the same fine and must pay $30,000 each in restitution, totaling $4,360,000 in penalties.
The trial of the nine Nigerian defendants, Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf, was adjourned to June 25.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Marwa (rtd), hailed the verdict as a strong deterrent to drug traffickers globally.
“This ruling sends a clear message that Nigeria is not a safe haven for drug trafficking,” Marwa stated, praising the NDLEA prosecution team and officers of the Apapa Strategic Command for their resilience and professionalism.
