In a landmark ruling against international narcotics smuggling, the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai nationals and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria.
The drugs, which originated from Brazil, were intercepted by operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at the Apapa seaport in Lagos. Delivering judgment on Thursday, May 15, 2025, Justice Daniel Osiagor imposed a total fine of $4.36 million on the convicted individuals and the vessel, following a plea bargain agreement entered into by the defendants and the NDLEA.
The convicted crew members are:
- Krilerk Tanakhan
- Boonlert Hansoongnern
- Jakkarin Booncharoen
- Thammarong Put-tlek
- Worrapat Paopinta
- Marut Kantaprom
- Werapat Somboonying
- Urkit Amsri
- Panudet Jaisuk
- Amrat Thawom
They were arrested on October 13, 2021, alongside nine Nigerian suspects, and subsequently arraigned in February 2022 on charges of conspiracy and unlawful importation of narcotics.
According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, Justice Osiagor convicted the vessel under Section 11(a) of the NDLEA Act and ordered it to pay a fine of $4 million (or its naira equivalent) for its role in transporting the illegal drugs into the country.
Further sentencing details include:
- 2nd to 4th defendants: Fined ₦100,000 each and ordered to pay $50,000 restitution to the Federal Government.
- 5th to 11th defendants: Fined ₦100,000 each and ordered to pay $30,000 restitution each.
This brings the total financial penalty to $4.36 million. The trial of the nine Nigerian co-defendants is ongoing and has been adjourned to June 25. This conviction underscores the NDLEA’s intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking through Nigerian ports and affirms Nigeria’s commitment to international anti-narcotics cooperation.
