The Federal high Court in Lagos has reportedly convicted 11 Indian sailors and a cargo vessel for trafficking 31.5 kilograms of cocaine, imposing a combined penalty of $6 million in a case linked to international drug smuggling.
According to reports, the suspects were arrested about six months ago by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). After being caught importing 31.5 kilograms of cocaine from Marshall Islands into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
However, the conviction followed an investigation that uncovered the illicit consignment aboard the vessel. Prosecutors argued that the crew members were involved in the transportation of the narcotics, leading to their prosecution alongside the ship.
Authorities subsequently arraigned the vessel’s master, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, and 10 other crew members. The other 10 members Bharati Manoj Kumar, Nevage Sandesh Suresh, Pandey Prashant, Nuttu Anand, Akash Babu, Nilesh Mukuno Bhalerad, Melethil Insaf Rahman, Barla Chantanya Krishna, Prabhasukhan Singu, and Jai Parkash, was subsequently arraigned on a two-count charge.
During the Court proceedings the defendants were guilty of drug trafficking offences and ordered the payment of substantial fines. The vessel was also held liable under applicable maritime and anti-narcotics laws.
The authorities described the judgment as a significant step in efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking and warned that individuals and organizations involved in the illicit drug trade would continue to face strict legal consequences.
The case underscores ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to strengthen maritime security and disrupt criminal networks using international shipping routes to transport illegal substances.
By Musekir Faisat OmolaraÂ
