NDLEA, Foreign Agencies Bust Alleged Multi-Billion Naira Drug Money Laundering Network

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of an alleged billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, and two suspected female kingpins in a coordinated international operation targeting a transnational drug money laundering syndicate.
The operation, conducted by operatives of the NDLEA Special Operations Unit, was carried out in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (US DEA) Lagos Country Office as well as law enforcement agencies in Switzerland, France and Greece.
In a statement issued on Thursday by the agency’s Director of Media and Advocacy, Femi Babafemi, the NDLEA disclosed that the criminal network was allegedly involved in laundering drug proceeds worth hundreds of billions of naira across Europe and Nigeria.
According to the statement, months of intelligence gathering and cross-border investigations culminated in the simultaneous arrest of Amadi in Switzerland and two alleged accomplices in Nigeria on April 28, 2026.
The other suspects were identified as 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, arrested in Anambra State, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi, apprehended in Agbor, Delta State.
The anti-narcotics agency revealed that investigators traced several high-value assets allegedly linked to the syndicate both within and outside Nigeria.
Among the properties identified as suspected proceeds of illicit drug funds are 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 NDLEA further stated that several bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets allegedly used by the network to conceal illicit proceeds had been identified and blocked.
According to the agency, the syndicate relied on shell companies, front businesses, delegates, traditional banking channels and cryptocurrency platforms to move and disguise funds derived from narcotics trafficking and other financial crimes.
Speaking on the development, NDLEA Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against international drug trafficking and organized financial crime.
He said the successful operation sends a strong warning to drug traffickers and their collaborators that Nigeria will not serve as a safe haven for illicit narcotics activities or criminal proceeds.
Marwa also commended the support of the US DEA and other international partners, stressing that the agency would continue to strengthen international cooperation in intelligence sharing, evidence gathering, tactical operations and prosecution.
“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 stated.
He added that the agency remains committed to protecting Nigeria’s reputation and safeguarding the country’s economy from the damaging effects of organized drug-related crimes.

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