NDLEA intercepts cocaine hidden in mortar and backpack bound for China, Italy

Drug traffickers attempted to smuggle cocaine to China and Italy using a traditional wooden mortar and a specially modified backpack, but the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) intercepted the shipments.

The NDLEA revealed the seizures on Sunday, with one consignment containing cocaine hidden inside a wooden mortar, a common tool for pounding yam and grains, bound for China. This method highlights a novel approach to concealing illicit substances.

“

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.

In a separate interception, NDLEA officers found another cocaine shipment destined for Italy. This package was concealed within the false bottom of a backpack, hidden amongst lace materials, indicating a sophisticated attempt to evade detection.

The agency shared the details via its Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, on X. The NDLEA also issued a warning to the public, emphasizing the legal consequences of possessing such parcels, stating, "Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!"

“

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