Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency working alongside the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, France and Greece have dismantled an alleged transnational drug laundering syndicate linked to hundreds of billions of naira in illicit funds.
The coordinated international operation led to the simultaneous arrest of suspected drug baron Amadi Simon in Switzerland and two alleged associates in Nigeria. The suspects include 34 year old Jecinta Amara Ikechi arrested in Anambra and 28 year old Blessing Ngozi Amadi apprehended in Agbor on April 28, 2026.
According to the NDLEA, the arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations across multiple countries. Authorities said the criminal network allegedly used shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets and numerous bank accounts to conceal proceeds from drug trafficking and financial crimes.
Investigators also traced several high value properties allegedly connected to the operation. These include Jovi Hotel located in GRA Phase 1, Asaba, another hospitality facility in Agbor and Jovi Apartment in Abuja. Officials confirmed that multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses linked to the syndicate have been frozen.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a major breakthrough against international narcotics trafficking and financial crimes. He said the successful collaboration between Nigerian authorities and foreign partners demonstrates the agency’s zero tolerance stance against criminal organisations threatening national security and economic ility.
Marwa also praised the continued support of the United States government and other international agencies in strengthening intelligence gathering, tactical operations and evidence management. He reaffirmed the NDLEA’s commitment to pursuing drug traffickers and dismantling criminal financial networks operating within and outside Nigeria.
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