NDLEA Intercepts Cocaine Hidden in Wooden Mortar, Backpack Bound for China, Italy

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has foiled fresh attempts by suspected drug traffickers to smuggle cocaine to China and Italy after discovering the illicit substance concealed in a traditional wooden mortar and a specially modified backpack.

The seizures were disclosed on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, in a post shared on his official X account.

According to Babafemi, NDLEA operatives uncovered cocaine hidden inside a traditional wooden mortar, a household tool widely used for pounding yam and grains, in a consignment destined for China.

He added that officers also intercepted another shipment heading to Italy, where cocaine had been concealed in the false bottom of a backpack hidden among lace materials.

Sharing details of the operation, Babafemi wrote, “Mortar is a traditional local wooden tool commonly used for pounding yams or grains but was used to conceal cocaine consignment heading to China in one of the latest seizures by #ndlea_nigeria officers who also discovered another shipment of cocaine going to Italy in the false bottom of a backpack hidden in lace materials.

Read Also: NDLEA Declares Alleged Drug Kingpin, Three Associates Wanted

“Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!”

The latest interceptions underscore the increasingly sophisticated methods employed by drug trafficking networks and the NDLEA’s continued efforts to prevent illicit drugs from leaving the country through concealment in everyday items.