Lagos: The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) confirmed that 20 Filipino seafarers remained detained onboard their vessel in Lagos, Nigeria, following the discovery of about 20 kilograms of cocaine inside a parcel during a port inspection.

According to Philippines News Agency, at a press briefing in Makati City, DMW Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. stated that the Nigerian Drug Enforcement Authority (NDEA) discovered a black-wrapped package inside MV North Bosporus, a Panamanian-flagged vessel, upon its arrival at the Port of Lagos from Brazil. Rasul elaborated that the Nigerian authorities secured a court order to arrest the vessel, which is now being moved to an outer area for further investigation.

Rasul emphasized that the crew, consisting entirely of 20 Filipino civilians, are safe and were able to communicate with their families until their mobile phones were confiscated by police authorities for investigation. He mentioned that the Philippine ambassador in Abuja, Mersole Mellejor, is closely coordinating with Nigerian authorities, and the Philippine Honorary Consul in Lagos, Emmanuel Oloja Akpakwu, has been instructed to maintain contact with local officials.

Further, Rasul explained that the shipowners and the local manning agency have instructed their Protection and Indemnity (P and I) Club lawyers to be present during questioning. The seafarers have not released any statements regarding the seized cocaine.

In addition, Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac noted that the DMW and the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration have begun reaching out to the families of the detained seafarers to provide updates and assistance. The DMW is also coordinating with the shipowners and manning agency to ensure that crew benefits and allotments continue uninterrupted. Cacdac reassured families that psychosocial support is available, especially for children who might be affected by the situation.