Nigeria Intercepts Cocaine in Mortar and Backpack, Nabs Suspected Dealers

Nigeria's National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has intercepted significant cocaine consignments ingeniously concealed within a traditional mortar and the false bottom of a backpack. These packages were destined for China and Italy, respectively, as part of the agency's intensified nationwide crackdown on drug trafficking syndicates.

Operatives from the Directorate of Operations and General Investigations (DOGI) made the seizures at a Lagos logistics company. The intercepted items included 250 grams of cocaine factory-fitted into the base of a mortar intended for export to China, and 500 grams of cocaine hidden in a backpack bound for Italy. These interceptions are part of a broader series of arrests and seizures across Rivers, Anambra, Delta, Nasarawa, and Zamfara states.

In Rivers State, a suspected notorious drug dealer, Ugo Okonkwo, was arrested in Port Harcourt with various illicit substances. Anambra State saw the interception of a truck carrying 26,000 bottles of codeine syrup. Delta State authorities recovered over 331 kilograms of skunk, while Nasarawa State led to the arrest of a 64-year-old suspect with skunk and methamphetamine. In Zamfara State, Sani Umar was apprehended with 7,400 tablets of Tramadol, suspected to be supplies for criminal and bandit groups.

NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi noted that beyond enforcement, the agency continues its War Against Drug Abuse (WADA) advocacy campaign. NDLEA Chairman, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), commended the operatives and urged them to maintain a balanced strategy of aggressive enforcement coupled with preventive drug abuse education. He emphasized that the evolving methods of drug trafficking networks necessitate the agency's continued vigilance and efforts.