Court Convicts 10 Thai Sailors for Smuggling 32.9kg Cocaine to Nigeria

Friday May 16, 2025 |

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 10 Thai nationals for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria from Brazil, in a major judgment that underscores the country’s crackdown on international drug trafficking networks.

Justice Daniel Osiagor delivered the verdict on Thursday, May 15, 2025, after the Thai sailors entered into a plea bargain agreement with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The convicted individuals are: Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jayson, and Amrat Thawom.

Their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, was intercepted at the Apapa Port, Lagos, in October 2021 by Nigerian Navy personnel, following an intelligence tip-off from the United Kingdom Border Force. A total of 22 Thai nationals were initially arrested alongside nine Nigerian accomplices.

According to NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the agency charged the 10 Thai sailors and the nine Nigerians in February 2022 on conspiracy and drug trafficking counts. The trial progressed after the court dismissed a no-case submission filed by the defence, prompting the Thai nationals to negotiate a plea bargain.

Delivering judgment, Justice Osiagor convicted the first defendant and the vessel, ordering a $4 million fine (or the naira equivalent) payable to the federal government. The second to fourth defendants were fined N100,000 each and ordered to pay $50,000 in restitution, while the remaining defendants must pay N100,000 and $30,000 each.

The total fines imposed amount to $4.36 million.

The trial of the nine Nigerian co-defendants has been adjourned to June 25, 2025.