The Conviction of Thai Nationals and Their Vessel for Drug Trafficking in Nigeria: A Detailed Account
In a significant legal victory against international drug trafficking, a Federal High Court in Lagos, Nigeria, delivered a landmark judgment on May 15, 2025, convicting ten Thai nationals and their vessel, MV Chayanee Naree, for smuggling 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into the country. The convicted individuals, identified as Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom, were part of a larger operation that involved nine Nigerian suspects. The arrests took place on October 13, 2021, and formal charges were filed in February 2022, accusing the individuals of conspiracy and unlawful importation of narcotics.
The case’s resolution involved a plea bargain agreement between the convicted Thai crew members and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). This agreement facilitated a streamlined legal process, leading to Justice Daniel Osiagor’s ruling, which detailed the penalties imposed on both the individuals and their vessel. The MV Chayanee Naree, under Section 11(a) of the NDLEA Act, was fined $4 million or its Nigerian Naira equivalent for its direct involvement in transporting the illicit substance into Nigerian territory.
The Thai nationals, designated as the 2nd to 11th defendants, faced charges under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for permitting the vessel’s use in the illegal drug operation. The 2nd, 3rd, and 4th defendants received individual fines of N100,000.00 each, along with a restitution payment of $50,000 each or its Naira equivalent to the Nigerian government. The remaining defendants, the 5th to 11th, were also fined N100,000.00 each and ordered to pay restitution amounting to $30,000 each. The total financial penalties levied against the individuals and the vessel reached a substantial sum of $4,360,000.00.
The successful prosecution of this case underscores the Nigerian government’s commitment to combating international drug trafficking and its detrimental effects on society. The substantial financial penalties imposed serve as a deterrent to potential offenders and demonstrate the seriousness with which drug-related crimes are treated within the Nigerian legal system. The conviction of the Thai nationals and their vessel sends a clear message to international criminal networks that Nigeria will not tolerate being used as a transit point for illicit drug trade.
The NDLEA’s effective investigation and prosecution of this case, culminating in the convictions and substantial financial penalties, highlight the agency’s crucial role in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and combating drug-related criminal activities. This successful operation also demonstrates the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational crime, as the arrests and subsequent legal proceedings involved the collaboration of Nigerian authorities with their counterparts in other countries.
While the conviction of the Thai nationals and their vessel marks a significant victory, the legal proceedings against the nine Nigerian suspects are ongoing. Justice Osiagor adjourned their trial to June 25, allowing for a thorough examination of the evidence and a fair judicial process. The outcome of this trial will further contribute to dismantling the drug trafficking network operating within Nigeria and beyond. The case’s overall impact extends beyond the immediate legal ramifications, sending a powerful message about Nigeria’s resolve to combat drug trafficking and its commitment to international cooperation in tackling transnational crime.
