Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, working with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and security agencies from Europe, have arrested a suspected Nigerian billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland over an alleged international drug money laundering operation.

The NDLEA announced the development in a statement issued on Thursday by its spokesman, Femi Babafemi.

“The multi-country investigation into the drug money laundering operations culminated in the well-coordinated simultaneous arrest of a billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon in Switzerland and his co-conspirators: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi, in Anambra state, and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta state on Tuesday 28th April 2026.

“This followed months of intelligence and investigations across multiple jurisdictions linking Amadi to the laundering of hundreds of billions of Naira in proceeds of drug and financial crimes,” the statement read.

The agency said the syndicate allegedly operated a complex financial network used to move and conceal proceeds of drug trafficking through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets and multiple bank accounts across different countries.

Investigators also traced several luxury properties in Nigeria allegedly linked to the suspect and his associates.

The properties include Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, Delta State, as well as Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja.

The agency added that bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the network had been frozen as part of ongoing investigations.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.), described the operation as a major breakthrough against international drug trafficking and financial crimes.

Marwa said the agency would continue to work with global partners to ensure Nigeria does not become a safe haven for drug cartels or illicit financial operations.

He also praised the support provided by the US-DEA and other international agencies, noting that intelligence sharing and joint operations played a key role in dismantling the network. (PUNCH)