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

By Precious Mark

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 being shipped to China and Italy through a logistics company in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Sunday, August, by the Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the Agency said the seizures were made by officers of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigations, DOGI, on Thursday, July 30, 2026.

According to NDLEA, 250 grams of cocaine factory-fitted into the base of a local mortar packed in a carton was intercepted for export to China, while 500 grams of the same class A drug hidden in the false bottom of a backpack was being shipped to Italy.

Meanwhile, operatives in Rivers State arrested a 38-year-old notorious drug dealer, Ugo Gift Okonkwo, at Eagle Island, Port Harcourt, on Sunday, July 26, following credible intelligence.

The suspect was found with various quantities of cannabis, cocaine, methamphetamine, swinol, tramadol and codeine syrup.

In Anambra State, NDLEA officers on a stop and search operation at DMGS roundabout, Onitsha, on Monday, July 27, intercepted a truck marked XK 131 BDG loaded with 26,000 bottles of codeine syrup weighing 3,960kg. The truck driver, Chinedu Nwanze, 40, was arrested.

The Agency also said 331.84 kilograms of skunk were recovered from a Toyota Sienna bus with registration number KUJ 26 DV along the Warri/Ughelli expressway, Delta State, on Sunday, July 26.

In Nasarawa State, a 64-year-old man, Joseph Nwaeke, was arrested on Tuesday, July 28, with 68kg of skunk and 29 grams of methamphetamine at Asso Angwan Muazu, Karu area.

In Zamfara, operatives on patrol along the Zaria-Gusau highway on Monday, July 27, intercepted Sani Umar, 27, conveying 7,400 pills of tramadol 225mg suspected to be supplies for criminal elements.

The Agency said Commands across the country also continued War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, sensitization activities in schools, worship centres, work places and communities in the past week.

While commending the officers, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (rtd), enjoined them to sustain the ongoing balanced approach to the drug control efforts of the Agency.