The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has announced the arrest of a Nigerian billionaire drug suspect, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland following a major international operation targeting drug trafficking and money laundering networks operating across Europe and Nigeria.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and security agencies in Switzerland, France and Greece, also led to the arrest of two other suspects in Nigeria.
The NDLEA described the operation as one of the biggest international crackdowns on drug-related financial crimes involving Nigerian suspects in recent years.
The agency said investigations uncovered money laundering activities involving hundreds of billions of naira linked to drug trafficking operations across different countries.
The arrests were announced in a statement issued on Thursday by the Director of Media and Advocacy at the NDLEA Headquarters in Abuja, Mr Femi Babafemi.
According to the statement, Amadi Simon was arrested in Switzerland on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, during a coordinated operation involving international law enforcement agencies.
Two of his alleged associates were also arrested in Nigeria on the same day.
They include 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, arrested in Anambra State, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi, arrested in Agbor, Delta State.
Babafemi said the arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations conducted across several countries.
According to him, investigators linked the suspects to a large transnational criminal network involved in laundering proceeds from drug trafficking and other financial crimes.
The NDLEA said the criminal network allegedly used complex financial systems and multiple business fronts to move and conceal illicit funds.
Investigators also traced several properties and business investments allegedly connected to the suspect and his network.
Among the properties identified by the agency are Jovi Hotel located at Isiayei Street, GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites located near Deeper Life Road in Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court, Mabushi, Abuja.
The NDLEA said the properties were believed to have been acquired with proceeds from illicit drug operations.
The agency also disclosed that several bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets linked to the syndicate had been identified and blocked as part of ongoing investigations.
According to the NDLEA, the network allegedly relied on shell companies, proxy businesses and cryptocurrency transactions to hide the movement of illegal funds.
Officials said the use of digital currencies and international financial channels made the investigation more difficult and required cooperation among several countries.
Speaking on the operation, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), said the success of the investigation showed that Nigeria was strengthening its fight against international drug crimes and financial corruption.
Marwa said the operation sent a strong warning to criminal groups involved in narcotics trafficking and money laundering.
“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 said.
He added that the agency maintained a zero-tolerance policy against crimes capable of damaging Nigeria’s image and economy.
According to him, drug trafficking and money laundering not only threaten public safety but also weaken economic stability and fuel organised crime.
Marwa also praised the support provided by the United States DEA and other international security partners during the investigation.
He said cooperation between Nigeria and foreign law enforcement agencies had become increasingly important because criminal networks now operate across borders using advanced financial systems and digital technology.
The NDLEA boss said the United States Mission in Nigeria had continued to support the agency through training, intelligence sharing and the supply of equipment for anti-narcotics operations.
He explained that international partnerships had helped the agency improve investigations, evidence gathering and tactical operations.
The latest operation comes as authorities around the world intensify efforts to combat international drug trafficking and financial crimes.
In recent years, Nigerian anti-drug agencies have increased cooperation with foreign governments to track criminal networks involved in cocaine trafficking, heroin smuggling, methamphetamine production and money laundering.
Drug trafficking remains one of the major global criminal businesses, generating billions of dollars annually.
The rise of cryptocurrency and online financial systems has also created new challenges for law enforcement agencies.
Financial crime investigators say many international syndicates now use digital currencies because they are harder to trace than traditional bank transactions.
Nigeria has in recent years faced growing scrutiny over the activities of transnational criminal networks involving internet fraud, drug trafficking and money laundering.
Authorities have repeatedly stated that such crimes damage the country’s international reputation and discourage foreign investment.
The NDLEA under Marwa’s leadership has intensified anti-drug operations across airports, seaports and border communities.
The agency has also recorded several major seizures of cocaine, cannabis, tramadol and methamphetamine in different parts of the country.
In addition to arrests, the agency has increasingly focused on tracing financial assets linked to drug trafficking networks.
The latest arrests are expected to strengthen cooperation between Nigerian authorities and international partners in tackling organised crime.
The NDLEA said investigations into the Amadi network were still ongoing and more arrests could follow.
The agency also hinted that additional properties and financial accounts linked to the syndicate might be uncovered during further investigations.
Meanwhile, the arrests have generated reactions on social media, with many Nigerians calling for tougher punishment for individuals involved in drug trafficking and money laundering.