A Nigerian court has convicted eleven Indian sailors for cocaine trafficking. Their merchant vessel was fined over five million US dollars. The sailors were arrested six months ago for allegedly importing a significant quantity of cocaine. The conviction sends a strong message against drug smuggling. Nigeria is no longer a safe route for illicit substances.

The vessel, MV Aruna Hulya, and its crew were taken into custody on Friday after NDLEA operatives discovered 31.5kg of cocaine hidden in hatch 3 of the ship.

A Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted 11 Indian sailors and their vessel for cocaine trafficking, ordering the ship to pay $5.3 million.