Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and European security agencies, have arrested a suspected Nigerian drug kingpin, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland over an alleged international drug money laundering network.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday by the NDLEA spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
According to the agency, the operation followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations conducted across multiple countries.
The statement noted that the coordinated operation led to the simultaneous arrest of Simon in Switzerland and two alleged accomplices in Nigeria on April 28, 2026.
The suspects arrested in Nigeria were identified as 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State.
Read Also:
- NDLEA uncovers network of caves, tunnels for drug trafficking in Kano
- NDLEA arrests 6 suspected drug dealers in Kano
- NDLEA raids drug dens in Kano, arrest 52 suspects
NDLEA alleged that the syndicate operated an extensive financial network used to conceal and move proceeds from drug trafficking through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets, and multiple bank accounts spread across different countries.
Investigators also traced several high-value properties allegedly linked to the network, including Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, and Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja.
The agency added that bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets connected to the operation had been frozen as investigations continue.
Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the arrests as a major breakthrough in the fight against transnational drug trafficking and financial crimes.
Marwa stated that the agency remains committed to working with international partners to prevent Nigeria from becoming a hub for illicit drug operations and money laundering activities.
He also commended the support of the US-DEA and other global security agencies, noting that intelligence sharing and joint operations were instrumental in dismantling the alleged network.
