Archive · 5 Jan 2026
Nigeria Arrests 22 Indian Crew Members in Cocaine Bust
In Nigeria, police arrested 22 Indian sailors on January 2, 2026, for having a lot of cocaine on their ship.
The ship, called MV Aruna Hulya, was in Lagos when the drugs were found.
The sailors, including their captain, were taken for more questioning.
The police also found other drugs like ketamine and tramadol in different places.
They are working hard to stop drugs from coming into the country and are teaching people about the dangers of drugs.
The head of the drug enforcement agency praised the officers for their work.
22 Indian crew members were arrested on January 2, 2026, for possessing 31.5 kg of cocaine on their ship, MV Aruna Hulya, at Apapa Port, Lagos.
The ship's master, Sharma Shashi Bhushan, was among those detained along with 21 other crew members.
The NDLEA also seized other drugs, including ketamine, ecstasy, and tramadol, from various locations in Lagos and other states.
In a separate operation, a 65-year-old woman, Fatima Ilori, was arrested for distributing cannabis in Ibadan.
The NDLEA is working with international agencies and conducting community education campaigns to combat drug abuse.
- Who
- 22 Indian crew members of the merchant ship MV Aruna Hulya, including the ship's master Sharma Shashi Bhushan
- What
- Arrested for possession of 31.5 kg of cocaine
- When
- January 2, 2026
- Where
- Apapa Port, Lagos, Nigeria
- Why
- The crew members were arrested following the discovery of cocaine on their ship
- Date of Arrest
- January 2, 2026
- Location of Arrest
- Apapa Port, Lagos
- Drug Seized
- 31.5 kg of cocaine
- Ship Involved
- MV Aruna Hulya
- Number of Arrested Crew Members
- 22
- NDLEA Chairman
- Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd)
- Other Drugs Seized
- Ketamine, ecstasy, tramadol, cannabis
- Additional Arrests
- Fatima Ilori and Olusanya Abosede in Ibadan