A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos has convicted ten Thai nationals and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, over the trafficking of 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria, handing down a combined fine of $4.36 million in a landmark judgment aimed at deterring international drug smuggling through Nigerian ports.
Justice Daniel Osiagor delivered the verdict following a plea bargain agreement entered into by the defendants after their no-case submission was overruled by the court. The defendants — Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Puttlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom — were arrested on October 13, 2021, when their ship berthed at the Apapa Port in Lagos.
The seizure followed an intelligence-led operation conducted by the Nigerian Navy in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and other security agencies. The vessel had departed Santos, Brazil, on September 19, 2021, and was intercepted and searched upon arrival in Nigerian waters. The concealed drugs were uncovered in the cargo hold.
In its judgment, the court fined the MV Chayanee Naree $4 million. Three of the captains onboard were each fined $50,000, while the remaining crew members were fined $30,000 apiece. Each sailor was also directed to pay a separate fine of ₦100,000.
The prosecution was led by the NDLEA’s Director of Prosecution and Legal Services, Deputy Commander-General of Narcotics Theresa Asuquo, assisted by A. Adebayo and Paul Awogbuyi. The defense team comprised Senior Advocates of Nigeria Babajide Koku, Femi Atoyebi, and Tunde Adejuyigbe.
Reacting to the court’s ruling, NDLEA Chairman, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the verdict as a victory for Nigeria’s war against illicit drugs. He noted that the successful prosecution sends a strong signal to transnational criminal networks that Nigeria’s borders will not be exploited for drug trafficking.
Meanwhile, the trial of nine Nigerian co-defendants allegedly connected to the crime — 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, with the court adjourning further hearing to June 25.
The ruling represents one of the most significant convictions involving foreign nationals in recent years and reinforces Nigeria’s resolve to combat narcotics smuggling through its maritime borders.