By Bosun Obafemi
A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai sailors and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for smuggling 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria through the Apapa seaport. Justice Daniel Osiagor imposed a hefty fine of $4.36 million on the vessel and its crew.
The sailors, identified as Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom, were arrested on October 13, 2021, along with nine Nigerian suspects.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) secured the conviction after a prolonged prosecution, with the agency’s Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd), commending the prosecution team for their diligence.
The NDLEA sees the conviction as a strong message to international drug cartels that Nigeria will not tolerate illicit drug trafficking.
The trial of the nine Nigerian suspects is ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for June 25.
for June 25.
