Discover the Chayanee-Naree: Ratings & Maritime News

In a significant ruling delivered by a Federal High Court in Lagos, ten crew members from the Thai vessel 'Chayanee Naree' have been found guilty of trafficking a staggering 32.9 kilograms of cocaine into Nigeria from Brazil, entering through the Apapa seaport. The convicted crew includes Krilerk Tanakhan, Boonlert Hansoongnern, Jakkarin Booncharoen, Thammarong Put-tlek, Worrapat Paopinta, Marut Kantaprom, Werapat Somboonying, Urkit Amsri, Panudet Jaisuk, and Amrat Thawom. These individuals were apprehended alongside nine Nigerian nationals on October 13, 2021, and were subsequently arraigned in February 2022, facing serious charges related to conspiracy and the illegal importation of narcotics. On May 15, 2025, Justice Daniel Osiagor announced the verdict following a plea bargain agreement that the crew made with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Under the provisions of the NDLEA Act, the court found the vessel guilty, imposing a hefty fine of $4 million, or its equivalent in Naira, for its involvement in transporting the illicit drug into the country. The judgment outlined that the crew of the 'Chayanee Naree' was punished under Section 25 of the NDLEA Act for allowing the ship to be utilized for unlawful drug transportation. Specifically, crew members 2 through 4 were each mandated to pay N100,000.00, alongside restitution of $50,000.00 each to the Federal Government, while crew members 5 through 11 received the same N100,000.00 fine but with a restitution amount set at $30,000.00 each. This brings the overall financial penalties related to this trafficking case to $4,360,000.00. The trial for the nine Nigerian suspects involved in the case has been scheduled to resume on June 25.

On October 28, 2021, the Federal High Court in Lagos made a critical ruling, leading to the arrest of the vessel 'Chayanee.' This legal order came into effect on October 29, following a significant investigation initiated by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The case revolves around the discovery of 32.9 kilograms of cocaine concealed within the cargo hold of the ship. This finding was the result of extensive searches that lasted over a week, concluding on October 15. As a consequence of this serious charge, both the ship and its crew have been detained for 14 days, during which time investigations will continue to determine the full extent of the situation.