NDLEA, US DEA bust global drug syndicate, arrest billionaire kingpin, two female accomplices

Stanley Ihedigbo

Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), working closely with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Lagos Country Office and other international law enforcement agencies, have dismantled a major transnational criminal organisation involved in laundering drug proceeds worth hundreds of billions of naira across Europe and Nigeria.

According to the Director, Media and Advocacy, NDLEA, Mr. Femi Babafemi, the coordinated international operation, which involved security agencies from Switzerland, France and Greece, led to the arrest of a suspected billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland, alongside two alleged female accomplices in Nigeria.

The NDLEA disclosed that 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi was arrested in Anambra State, while 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi was apprehended in Agbor, Delta State, during simultaneous operations carried out on Tuesday, April 28, 2026.

According to the agency, the arrests followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations spanning multiple countries, which linked the suspects to the laundering of proceeds generated from narcotics trafficking and other financial crimes.

The agency said investigations uncovered an elaborate international network allegedly coordinated by Amadi Simon, involving the movement and concealment of illicit funds through shell companies, proxies, cryptocurrency channels and multiple bank accounts spread across different jurisdictions.

NDLEA said the syndicate operated sophisticated money laundering schemes in Nigeria and abroad, using front companies and delegated financial channels to disguise the origin of illicit drug proceeds.

As part of the crackdown, authorities also identified and traced several high-value properties believed to have been acquired with proceeds from drug trafficking activities.

Among the properties linked to the suspect 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 anti-narcotics agency further revealed that several bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets allegedly used by the cartel to warehouse and transfer illicit funds have been identified and frozen.

Speaking on the operation, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, retired Brig.-Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa described the success of the multi-country operation as a strong warning to criminal organisations operating within and outside Nigeria.

Marwa stated that the agency maintains zero tolerance for crimes capable of damaging Nigeria’s image, economy and public safety.

He commended the support of the United States DEA and other international partners for their collaboration in dismantling the criminal network, noting that the U.S. Mission in Nigeria has consistently supported the NDLEA through intelligence sharing, tactical training, evidence management and provision of operational equipment.

The NDLEA boss assured that the agency would continue strengthening partnerships with global law enforcement bodies in the fight against narcotics trafficking and financial crimes.

“The NDLEA remains relentless in its pursuit of those involved in narcotics trafficking and associated financial crimes, regardless of where they attempt to hide,” Marwa said.

He added that the agency was determined to ensure that Nigeria would neither serve as a haven for drug traffickers nor a sanctuary for proceeds generated from the illicit narcotics trade.

Marwa stressed that the agency’s operations are anchored on integrity, professionalism and strategic international cooperation aimed at protecting Nigeria’s national reputation and economic stability.

The latest operation is regarded as one of the most significant international anti-drug and anti-money laundering crackdowns involving Nigerian authorities in recent years, highlighting growing collaboration between the NDLEA and global security agencies in tracking transnational organised crime.