Indian Crew Arrested After Cocaine Found on Bulk Carrier

Twenty-two Indian crew members from the bulk carrier Aruna Hulya were arrested at the port of Lagos, Nigeria, after authorities discovered 31.5 kilograms of cocaine hidden onboard. The ship, which arrived from the Marshall Islands, was intercepted on January 2.

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed that those detained include the ship’s captain and 21 other crew members. All individuals have been taken into custody for questioning as investigations continue to establish the source of the narcotics.

Officials said the cocaine was concealed inside Hatch 3 of the vessel 2012-built vessel.

Nigeria is widely recognized as an important transit point for narcotics trafficked from South America to destinations in Africa and Europe. The seizure forms part of the NDLEA’s broader efforts to combat drug trafficking across the region.