Nigeria Court Convicts 10 Thai Sailors for Trafficking 32.9kg of Cocaine

Justice Daniel Osiagor of the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted ten Thai sailors for trafficking 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria. The vessel used in the operation, MV Chayanee Naree, was also found guilty of facilitating the smuggling of the narcotics.

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

They were first arraigned in February 2022 alongside the vessel and nine Nigerian nationals on charges of conspiracy, unlawful transportation, and importation of cocaine. The Nigerian co-defendants are: Samuel Messiah, Ishaya Maisamari, Ilesanmi Ayo Abbey, Osabeye Stephen, Gbenga Ogunfadeke, Kayode Buletiri, Rilwan Omotosho Liasu, Saidi Sule Alani, and Jamiu Adewale Yusuf.

The suspects were arrested on October 13, 2021, at the Apapa Port in Lagos upon arrival from Brazil. The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) filed the charges, citing violations of Sections 11(b), 11(a), and 14(b) of the NDLEA Act, Cap N30, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Three other individuals — Kehinde Enoch, Ayo Joseph, and one Tunde — alleged to be co-conspirators, remain at large.

During trial, the Thai sailors opted for a no-case submission after the NDLEA concluded its case. However, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Theresa Asuquo, A. Adebayo, and Paul Awogbuyi, argued that a prima facie case had been established. Justice Osiagor agreed with the prosecution and directed the accused to open their defense.

Subsequently, the sailors entered into a plea bargain agreement with the NDLEA.

At Thursday’s hearing, Justice Osiagor delivered judgment based on the agreement. The vessel MV Chayanee Naree was fined $4 million or its naira equivalent.

The three captains — Tanakhan, Hansoongnern, and Booncharoen — were each fined $50,000, while other crew members were fined $30,000 each. Some of the convicted sailors were also given the option to pay a fine of ?100,000 each.

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