Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency National Drug Law Enforcement Agency have announced the dismantling of a transnational criminal organization involved in large scale drug money laundering across Nigeria and Europe, in a coordinated operation with international law enforcement partners.
According to a statement by NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration Drug Enforcement Administration and security agencies in Switzerland, France, and Greece.
The operation reportedly led to the arrest of alleged drug baron Amadi Simon in Switzerland, alongside two suspected associates arrested in Nigeria during coordinated raids in Anambra and Delta states. Authorities said the arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and multi jurisdiction investigations.
NDLEA stated that the suspects are linked to a sophisticated money laundering network believed to have moved hundreds of billions of naira through a combination of shell companies, property investments, bank accounts, and cryptocurrency transactions designed to conceal illicit proceeds.
The agency also disclosed that several properties and assets connected to the alleged network have been identified, including hotels and residential buildings in Delta State and Abuja, as well as multiple financial accounts and digital wallets allegedly used to disguise criminal funds.
Chairman of the NDLEA Brigar General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) Mohamed Buba Marwa described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against narcotics trafficking and related financial crimes, emphasizing the agency’s commitment to a zero tolerance policy on drug related offenses.
He also praised international cooperation, particularly support from US DEA officials, noting that sustained collaboration has strengthened Nigeria’s capacity in intelligence sharing, investigative techniques, and operational enforcement.
Authorities said the ongoing investigation will continue to trace additional assets and possible collaborators linked to the network both within Nigeria and abroad as part of efforts to dismantle the full structure of the criminal organization.
The NDLEA reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that Nigeria does not serve as a safe haven for drug traffickers or illicit financial activities, while promising continued collaboration with global partners to combat transnational organized crime.
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