After over three years of prosecution, the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted ten Thai nationals for smuggling 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria. The sailors, crew members of the vessel MV Chayanee Naree, were found guilty of transporting the illicit drug from Brazil through the Apapa seaport in Lagos.
Justice Daniel Osiagor delivered the verdict following a plea bargain agreement between the convicts and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The court also convicted the vessel for its role in the illegal shipment and imposed a fine of $4 million or its Naira equivalent.
The convicted Thai sailors are: Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom.
They were first arraigned in February 2022, alongside nine Nigerian co-defendants, following their arrest by NDLEA operatives on October 13, 2021, at Apapa Port.
The court ordered the 2nd to 11th defendants to pay N100,000 each. Additionally, the 2nd to 4th defendants must pay $50,000 each in restitution, while the 5th to 11th defendants were ordered to pay $30,000 each—bringing total penalties to $4.36 million.
The Nigerian co-defendants—Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf—will continue their trial on June 25.
The NDLEA prosecution team was led by the agency’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, DCGN Theresa Asuquo, with A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defence was handled by senior advocates Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Rtd), hailed the judgment as a clear warning to international drug cartels and their Nigerian collaborators. He commended the agency’s legal and operational teams for their diligence and urged continued vigilance in pursuing the remaining cases.
