NDLEA intercepts cocaine concealed in mortar, backpack bound for China, Italy

…Arrests suspected drug dealer in Rivers, intercepts alleged bandits’ drug supplier in Zamfara

By Kingsley Omonobi

ABUJA — Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted consignments of cocaine concealed in a local mortar and the false bottom of a backpack, allegedly prepared for shipment to China and Italy through a logistics company in Lagos.

The agency said the seizures were made by officers of its Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

According to the NDLEA, 250 grammes of cocaine were concealed in the base of a locally made mortar packed inside a carton destined for China, while another 500 grammes of cocaine were hidden in the false bottom of a backpack intended for shipment to Italy.