{
  "id": 42683,
  "title": "NDLEA uncovers cocaine concealed in wooden mortar, backpack bound for China, Italy",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/02/ndlea-uncovers-cocaine-concealed-in-wooden-mortar-backpack-bound-for",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-02T11:23:48.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/ndlea-uncovers-cocaine-concealed-in-wooden-mortar-backpack-bound-for-china-italy/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has uncovered two recent attempts by drug traffickers to smuggle cocaine into China and Italy. In a statement released on Sunday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, it was revealed that one of the consignments involved cocaine concealed inside a traditional wooden mortar, while another shipment was hidden in a backpack disguised with lace materials. The NDLEA explained that the mortar, typically used for pounding yams or grains, was employed to conceal the cocaine destined for China. Another shipment headed to Italy was found secreted in the false bottom of a backpack made of lace materials. Babafemi warned, “Beware of every parcel you’re given to deliver. Remember the key word for liability is possession!”",
  "summary": "The NDLEA has intercepted cocaine shipments concealed in a wooden mortar and a backpack, bound for China and Italy. Read about the latest NDLEA cocaine sei Read More: https://punchng.com/ndlea-uncovers-cocaine-concealed-in-wooden-mortar-backpack-bound-for-china-italy/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}