According to Maritime Executive, Nigerian authorities have detained the Filipino crew of the bulker Nord Bosporus after anti-narcotics officers found a package of cocaine hidden in the ship’s cargo during an inspection in Lagos. The vessel, sailing under the Panama flag, had arrived from Brazil on its first call to Nigeria.
The NDLEA seized about 20 kilograms of cocaine and began questioning the 20 seafarers, taking their phones and devices for analysis. Officials said the ship typically operated on South American routes and had not visited Africa before. The captain, a Filipino national, had been in command only a short time.
A Lagos Federal High Court approved a 14-day detention order for the vessel and its crew while the investigation continues. Philippine authorities said the seafarers are being treated properly, remain aboard the ship, and have been allowed to contact their families.
The Nord Bosporus has since been relocated to Lagos anchorage for further checks. According to Philippine officials, the crew has not provided statements about the seized drugs.
Nigeria has recently intensified efforts to curb smuggling through its ports. Earlier this month, NDLEA (working with U.S. and U.K. agencies) intercepted 1,000 kilograms of cocaine in a separate operation in Lagos. The country also secured convictions in a similar smuggling case involving a Thai crew in 2025.
