BREAKING: Court Convicts 10 Thai Sailors For Cocaine Trafficking, Fines Total $4.36 Million
A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai sailors for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine from Brazil to Nigeria.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Daniel Osiagor after the sailors entered a plea bargain agreement.
The convicted individuals, identified as Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jayson, and Amrat Thawom, were among 22 Thai nationals apprehended in October 2021 by the Nigerian Navy.
The arrests occurred at the Apapa ports in Lagos following an intelligence tip from the United Kingdom (UK) Border Force. The vessel used for the smuggling, MV Chayanee Naree, was also seized.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) later arraigned the 10 sailors along with nine Nigerian suspects on charges related to conspiracy and illegal drug transportation.
The Nigerian suspects were identified as Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf.
During court proceedings, the prosecution presented evidence linking the defendants to the illegal drug consignment.
However, the defence filed a no-case submission, which was subsequently dismissed by the court, prompting the defence to open its case. Following the dismissal, the Thai sailors opted for a plea bargain with the NDLEA.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Osiagor convicted the vessel MV Chayanee Naree and the first defendant of unlawfully transporting cocaine into Nigeria. He ordered them to pay a fine of $4 million or its naira equivalent to the federal government.
Additionally, the judge imposed fines on the second to fourth defendants, mandating them to pay ₦100,000 each, along with a restitution fee of $50,000 each to the federal government. The fifth to eleventh defendants were ordered to pay ₦100,000 each and an additional $30,000 each as restitution.
Femi Babafemi, spokesperson for the NDLEA, confirmed the court’s verdict, stating, “This ruling serves as a stern warning to those involved in drug trafficking. The NDLEA remains committed to combating illicit drug activities and bringing offenders to justice.”
The total fines imposed on the convicted sailors amount to $4.36 million. Justice Osiagor also adjourned the trial of the nine Nigerian suspects to June 25.