A transnational drug trafficking and money laundering network operating across Nigeria and several European countries has been dismantled by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in collaboration with international law enforcement agencies.
A transnational criminal organization involved in drug laundering operations totaling hundreds of billions of Naira throughout Europe and Nigeria has been successfully dismantled by members of a Special Operations Unit of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), working closely with the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lagos Country Office and law enforcement partners from Switzerland, France, and Greece.
On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, Amadi Simon, a billionaire drug lord, and his accomplices, Jecinta Amara Ikechi, 34, of Anambra state, and Blessing Ngozi Amadi, 28, of Agbor, Delta state, were apprehended simultaneously in Switzerland as a result of the multi-national investigation into the drug money laundering operations.
This came after months of intelligence and investigations in several countries connecting Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes.
Along with apprehending the individuals, the NDLEA has tracked multibillion-dollar assets connected to Amadi’s transnational criminal network in Nigeria and outside in cooperation with its international law enforcement partners.
In order to hide and launder illegal money, he used a sophisticated network of front and shell corporations, pass-throughs, delegates, and many conventional and cryptocurrency accounts in Nigeria.
Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase 1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites at 4 Orikeze near Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; and Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court Mabushi, Abuja are properties that have already been recognized and connected to Amadi Simon as the proceeds of illicit drug funds.
The success of the multi-country and multi-year operations has sent a clear message that the NDLEA maintains “a zero-tolerance policy toward crimes that jeopardise the safety of the Nigerian people, the integrity of our national reputation, and the stability of our economy,” according to Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), who spoke about the coordinated efforts of the NDLEA, the US DEA, and other international partners.
He thanked the US-DEA for its assistance in breaking up and dismantling Amadi’s international criminal network, adding that the US mission in Nigeria has continued to work with the agency to fight drug trafficking by providing crucial intelligence, evidence gathering, case management, and tactical operations training.
He gave his word that the NDLEA will keep growing its partnerships with the US and other countries.
No matter where they try to hide, the NDLEA is unrelenting in its pursuit of those involved in drug trafficking and related financial crimes.
“The NDLEA is dedicated to ensuring that Nigeria is neither a haven for drug traffickers who profit from illicit substances nor a sanctuary for their criminal proceeds,” Marwa said. “The organization is built upon a foundation of strategic partnership, unwavering integrity, and dedicated professionalism.”