Twenty Filipino seafarers remain detained onboard the Panamanian-flagged MV North Bosporus in Lagos, Nigeria, after authorities discovered about 20 kilogrammes of cocaine during a port inspection earlier this month.

The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that the Nigerian Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) located a black-wrapped parcel on the vessel when it arrived at the Port of Lagos on 16 November after sailing from Brazil.

Following the discovery, Nigerian authorities secured a court order to place the ship under arrest and have since begun moving it to an outer area for further investigation.

DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. explained at a briefing in Makati City that the crew is composed entirely of Filipino seafarers and that they remain safe on board. He said they were previously able to contact their families, but their mobile phones were later confiscated as part of the ongoing probe.

Rasul stated that the Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria, Mersole Mellejor, is in close coordination with Nigerian officials. He added that Philippine Honorary Consul in Lagos, Emmanuel Oloja Akpakwu, has been instructed to liaise with local authorities and is awaiting legal clearance to speak directly with the detained crew.

The DMW said that the shipowners and the local manning agency have directed their Protection and Indemnity (P&I) Club lawyers to attend once formal questioning begins. It also added that the seafarers have not issued any statements regarding the confiscated cocaine.

Meanwhile, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration are already reaching out to the families of the crew to provide updates and support.

He mentioned that psychosocial assistance is being prepared, particularly for children who may be affected by the situation. He also assured families that crew allotments and benefits will continue without interruption.

Philippine authorities said they will maintain close coordination with their counterparts in Nigeria as the investigation progresses.

References: PNA, filipinotimes