Eleven Indian Sailors Convicted for Cocaine Trafficking

On June 11, 2026, the Federal High Court in Lagos convicted eleven Indian sailors from the merchant vessel MV Aruna Hulya for drug trafficking, specifically for the possession of 31.5 kilograms of cocaine. The court imposed a total fine of $6 million and sentenced the sailors to six months in prison under Nigeria's drug laws.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested the crew after discovering the illicit drugs concealed in a hatch during an inspection at Apapa Seaport on January 2, 2026. The vessel's master, Sharma Bhushan, and ten crew members were arraigned before Justice Joseph Anek on two counts of drug trafficking.

The NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi, stated that the court adopted a plea bargain agreement, leading to the conviction of the defendants under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act. The court ordered the vessel's restitution of $5.3 million to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, emphasizing Nigeria's commitment to combating drug trafficking.