Unless Nigerian authorities, particularly the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, review their policy thrust as it concerns punishments being meted out to shipping lines found to be unknowingly carrying drugs and trafficked persons, foreign operators may shun the shores of the country.
Suresh Prabhakar ,the Director of Operations, Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, Hong Kong, dropped the hint on Wednesday, August 20, at the ongoing international conference on maritime security, Oron Cross River State.
The conference which was jointly packaged by the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria MASPAN and the Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron, is being attended by some international players within the shipping business across the globe.
Prabhakar emphasized that the NDLEA should consider reviewing its stance when drugs are found on board ships bearing in mind the increased risks of drug smuggling on board ships by drug cartels ,as well as the associated security challenges faced by ships crew and owners.
He advised Nigerian authorities to borrow a leaf from countries like the USA, Canada and others who carry out quick investigations to ascertain the level of involvement of ship crew in suspected cases of drug smuggling.
He condemned the present situation whereby ships and crew are detained almost indefinitely because of the activities of some drug cartels.
According to him, detaining ships and crew, together with suspected drug smugglers as a result of drugs found on board causes so much losses to ship owners.
“In handling drug related incidents that occur on board ships, the USA, European countries, Australia, New Zealand and several other countries, the drug enforcement agencies quickly investigate and conclude whether a ship and crew are involved.
“If the crew are found to be innocent, they and the ship are allowed to sail without delay. But on some rare occasions that the authorities strongly suspect that a particular crew member is involved, the person is immediately landed, and the rest allowed to sail without delay.
“The same practice takes place at Brazilian ports when the Federal Police and associated agencies find drugs on board ships.
“This is particularly important to note, as at today, the maximum quantity of drugs being smuggled on board ships is from Brazilian ports.
“When I visited Santos, Brazil, in February 2024, to meet with several regulatory authorities on the issue of drug smuggling, their reasons for the approach were explained ” Prabhakar stated .
Earlier in his address, the Minister for Blue and Marine Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, acknowledged the urgent need to confront the fact that Nigerian waters are globally viewed as a transit route for illicit activities.
The Minister, who was represented by the Director Marine Environment Management, Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency NIMASA, Heaky Dimowo, said it is essential the country develop comprehensive strategies to address the evolving threats posed to the Maritime Industry by criminal elements.
He called for a resort to technological innovations, and enhanced collaborations among critical stakeholders in tackling the problems in the industry.
Discover more from The Source
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
