The 20 Filipino seafarers earlier intercepted with around 20 kilos of cocaine hidden aboard a Panama-flagged vessel at the Port of Lagos have not been detained, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Wednesday.

In a televised interview, Cacdac said Philippine officials are in coordination with Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Mersole Mellejor, who confirmed that the crew remains on duty while undergoing investigation by Nigerian authorities.

“All seafarers are still on board the ship. They're still being investigated. None have been arrested thus far. So we hope the investigation is finished soon,” Cacdac said, adding that the crew cannot disembark as they remain responsible for the “upkeep and seaworthiness” of the vessel.

He noted that no legal charges have been filed yet against the Filipino seafarers as the investigation is still ongoing.

Cacdac urged Filipino seafarers to avoid syndicates and illegal activities, warning that the risks and consequences are severe, citing the past case of Filipino seafarers who were convicted in Korea this year.

“We need to remind our seafarers: you are there to do your work as seafarers… there’s no need to aspire or have a desire for more money through illegal means.”

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency earlier said the “top grade cocaine” caught onboard the Panama-registered vessel was found buried under its cargo.