Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working closely with the United States Drug Enforcementp Administration and law enforcement authorities in Switzerland, France and Greece, have dismantled a major transnational criminal network accused of laundering hundreds of billions of naira in proceeds from drug trafficking and other financial crimes across Europe and Nigeria.
According to a statement was signed by Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy of NDLEA, the coordinated multi-country operation led to the arrest of alleged billionaire drug baron Amadi Simon in Switzerland, alongside two alleged female accomplices — Jecinta Amara Ikechi and Blessing Ngozi Amadi — in separate operations carried out in Anambra State and Agbor on April 28, 2026.
Mr. Babafemi noted that the arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations across several jurisdictions linking the suspects to an extensive international drug money laundering syndicate.
The agency disclosed that investigators had already identified and traced multiple high-value assets allegedly linked to the criminal network both within and outside Nigeria.
Among the properties reportedly connected to the syndicate are Jovi Hotel located in GRA Phase 1, Asaba; Jovi Hotel and Suites; and Jovi Apartment situated at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja.
The NDLEA further revealed that several bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets allegedly used to conceal illicit proceeds running into hundreds of billions of naira had also been identified and blocked.
Speaking on the operation, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the success of the investigation as a strong warning to drug traffickers and financial crime syndicates operating across borders.
“The success of the multi-country and multi-year operations has sent a clear message that the NDLEA maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardize the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy,” Marwa stated.
He commended the support provided by the US-DEA and other international partners, noting that the collaboration had strengthened the agency’s capacity in intelligence gathering, tactical operations, evidence collection and case management.
“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide,” he said.
“Built upon a foundation of strategic partnership, unwavering integrity, and dedicated professionalism, the NDLEA is committed to ensuring that Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds,” Marwa added.
