The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted the application by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for the interim attachment of a vessel, MV Chayaneenaree, allegedly used to import 32.9 kilogrammes of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport in Lagos.

Besides the attachment order, the court also granted the request of the agency to detain the master of the ship, Tanahan Krilerk, and 21 foreign crew members, as well as seven Nigerians arrested in connection with the case.

The NDLEA’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, said these in a statement on Saturday.

According to him, the anti-narcotic agency had on October 13 intercepted the ship at the Apapa seaport following intelligence from international partners and support from other security agencies such as the Nigerian Navy, Customs, DSS and the police.The statement read further, “A search of the ship led to the recovery of 30 parcels containing cocaine, which weighed 32.9kg. Investigations into the seizure have been yielding more arrests of suspected local collaborators, as a result of which the Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), directed that an application to attach the ship and detain the suspects for two weeks pending conclusion of investigation and filing of criminal charges against suspects in court.”

The case was adjourned till November 25, 2021.