In a major legal victory against international drug trafficking, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has secured the conviction of 10 Thai nationals and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for smuggling 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport, Lagos.
The judgment, delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos, comes after over three years of meticulous prosecution by the NDLEA. The court imposed a total fine of $4.36 million on the vessel and its crew, sending what NDLEA Chairman/Chief Executive Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) described as “a strong warning to international drug cartels and their local collaborators.”
Convicted Crew and Charges
The convicted sailors — all Thai nationals — include:
Krilerk Tanakhan
Boonlert Hansoongnern
Jakkarin Booncharoen
Thammarong Put-tlek
Worrapat Paopinta
Marut Kantaprom
Werapat Somboonying
Urkit Amsri
Panudet Jaisuk
Amrat Thawom
They were originally arraigned in February 2022 alongside nine Nigerian co-defendants on charges of conspiracy and unlawful importation of narcotics, violating Sections 11(a), 11(b), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Seizure and Legal Proceedings
The MV Chayanee Naree and its crew were intercepted on October 13, 2021, at the Apapa port, with NDLEA uncovering a shipment of cocaine from Brazil.
After the court rejected their no-case submission, the convicted sailors opted for a plea bargain, leading to Thursday’s ruling. Justice Osiagor convicted the vessel for unlawful transportation and imposed a fine of $4 million or its naira equivalent.
Under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act, the 2nd to 11th defendants were convicted for allowing the vessel to be used for drug trafficking. Specific penalties include:
2nd to 4th defendants: N100,000 fines each + $50,000 restitution
5th to 11th defendants: N100,000 fines each + $30,000 restitution
The cumulative financial penalties total $4,360,000.
Nigerians Still on Trial
The case against 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 — is still ongoing. Justice Osiagor adjourned their trial to June 25, 2025.
Legal Teams and NDLEA Reaction
The NDLEA prosecution team was led by Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Theresa Asuquo, alongside A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defence team included three Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SAN): Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
Reacting to the ruling, NDLEA Chairman Marwa praised the diligence and resilience of the agency’s legal and field officers.
“This conviction is a strong message to international drug cartels and their collaborators that Nigeria is not a safe haven for their illicit trade,” said Marwa. He urged continued commitment as the remaining cases proceed.
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