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Published by A. Dimitriou. The Image shown is for reference and may not depict the actual vessel.
Introduction
A major drug bust in Nigeria has placed 20 Filipino seafarers under detention after 20 kilograms of cocaine were found onboard the Panama-flagged bulk carrier MV Nord Bosporus. The incident occurred at the Port of Lagos on 16 November 2025, triggering a high-profile investigation involving Nigerian authorities and international agencies.
Timeline of Events
- 16 November 2025: MV Nord Bosporus arrived in Lagos from Santos, Brazil. During a routine inspection, the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) discovered a black-wrapped parcel containing 20kg of cocaine hidden beneath the cargo.
- Same Day: NDLEA detained the vessel’s Filipino master and 19 crew members and secured the ship.
- 20 November 2025: A Federal High Court in Lagos issued a 14-day detention order for the vessel and crew to allow investigations.
- 27 November 2025: The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed the crew remains onboard under detention. Philippine officials are coordinating with Nigerian authorities for legal assistance.
- Current Status: The vessel has been moved to an outer anchorage while investigations continue. Lawyers from the ship’s Protection & Indemnity (P&I) Club are assisting.
General Particulars of MV Nord Bosporus
- Name: MV Nord Bosporus
- IMO Number: 9588497
- Flag: Panama
- Type: Bulk Carrier
- Year Built: 2011
- Deadweight (DWT): ~80,000 tonnes
- Length Overall (LOA): 229 m
- Beam: 32 m
- Gross Tonnage (GT): ~44,000
- Home Port: Panama City
Management Details
- Registered Owner: Nordic Bulk Carriers A/S
- Technical Manager: Nordic Bulk Carriers A/S
- Commercial Manager: Same entity
- Headquarters: Denmark
- Role: Responsible for vessel operations, compliance, and crew management.
Why This Matters
- Legal and Diplomatic Impact: The case has drawn attention from the Philippine government, which is working to ensure due process for its nationals.
- Maritime Security Concerns: The incident highlights vulnerabilities in global shipping routes and the need for stricter anti-smuggling measures.
- Industry Implications: Shipowners and operators may face increased scrutiny and insurance costs following such high-profile drug seizures.
Key Takeaways
- 20 Filipino seafarers remain detained in Lagos after a major cocaine seizure.
- MV Nord Bosporus is a Panama-flagged bulk carrier managed by Nordic Bulk Carriers A/S.
- Investigations are ongoing, with international cooperation to dismantle drug trafficking networks.
The Maritime-Hub Editorial Team
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Maritime-Hub. Readers are advised to research this information before making decisions based on it.
