Nigeria’s drug agency arrested 22 Indian crew members after officers found cocaine on a merchant vessel at Lagos’s main port. Officials confirmed the action on Sunday.

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) seized 31.5 kilogrammes of cocaine. Officers made the discovery on January 2 aboard MV Aruna Hulya, according to AFP.

Vessel Came From Marshall Islands

NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi said the ship had “originated from Marshall Islands.” He shared the details in a statement cited by the news agency.

Investigators detained all 22 Indian sailors. Authorities said the probe is ongoing.

Pattern of Maritime Drug Busts

The arrests follow a string of major seizures at Nigerian ports. In November, the NDLEA arrested 20 Filipino sailors. The agency said they were carrying at least 20 kilogrammes of cocaine from Brazil to the same Lagos port.

Earlier that month, the NDLEA said it was working with US and British agencies. The joint team investigated a cartel linked to 1,000 kilograms of cocaine hidden in a container at a Lagos port.

Nigeria Steps Up Crackdown

Nigeria remains a key transit and production hub for drugs bound for Europe and other African countries. Smugglers often use busy ports to move large shipments.

Authorities say they are increasing surveillance. They also say they are expanding international cooperation to stop large-scale smuggling through the ports.