A maritime expert, Mr. Suresh Prabhakar, has called for a practical approach to address drug trafficking in the maritime sector, citing the huge revenue loss and long detention of ships and seafarers. Prabhakar, Director of Operations at Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, Hong Kong, spoke at the Maritime Security Providers Association of Nigeria (MASPAN) and Alumni of Maritime Academy of Nigeria Oron (AMANO) Conference in Lagos.
He highlighted instances where the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) detained ships for months, resulting in significant costs for ship owners. Prabhakar appealed for uniformity in approaching drug trafficking cases, emphasizing the need for cooperation between ship owners and authorities.
The Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Isiala Oyetola, represented by Mr. Heaky Dimowo, expressed concern over the increasing maritime threats, particularly drug and human trafficking. He emphasized the need for comprehensive strategies to address these evolving threats.
The President of MASPAN/AMANO, Mr. Emmanuel Maiguwa, noted that West Africa is a transit region for narcotics and highlighted the need for collaboration to combat these challenges.
