Operatives of the Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), working closely with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lagos Country Office and law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, France, and Greece, have dismantled a transnational criminal syndicate allegedly involved in laundering hundreds of billions of naira from drug-related activities across Europe and Nigeria.
The operation, which followed months of intelligence gathering and coordinated investigations across several countries, led to the simultaneous arrest of an alleged billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, alongside two suspected accomplices in Nigeria on Tuesday, 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.
According to the NDLEA, investigations linked Amadi Simon to large-scale laundering of proceeds generated from drug trafficking and other financial crimes.
The agency disclosed that the syndicate allegedly operated an extensive network involving shell and front companies, delegates, pass-through accounts, and cryptocurrency wallets used to conceal and transfer illicit funds within and outside Nigeria.
NDLEA also revealed that several high-value properties connected to the suspect have been identified as proceeds of drug-related activities.
The properties include Jovi Hotel located at 1 Isiayei Street, GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites situated at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja.
The agency further stated that multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses allegedly linked to the cartel have been uncovered and blocked as part of the ongoing investigation.
Speaking on the success of the operation, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the outcome as a strong warning to criminal networks involved in narcotics trafficking and financial crimes.
Marwa said the operation demonstrated the agency’s commitment to maintaining a zero-tolerance stance against activities threatening Nigeria’s security, economic stability, and international image.
He commended the support and collaboration of the US-DEA and other international partners, noting that such partnerships have strengthened the NDLEA’s operational capacity through intelligence sharing, training, tactical support, evidence gathering, and provision of equipment.
The NDLEA boss assured that the agency would continue to strengthen cooperation with global law enforcement bodies in the fight against illicit drug trafficking and money laundering.
He reiterated that the agency remains committed to tracking and prosecuting individuals involved in narcotics-related crimes, regardless of where they operate or attempt to hide their proceeds.
NDLEA, International Agencies Bust Multi-Billion Naira Drug Laundering Network
