Written by
Ishioma Appiah-Yeboah
Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agency, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, has recorded a major breakthrough in the global fight against drug trafficking after dismantling an international drug money laundering network operating across Europe and Nigeria.
The operation, carried out by the NDLEA Special Operations Unit in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration and law enforcement agencies from Switzerland, France, and Greece, led to the arrest of alleged billionaire drug baron, Amadi Simon, in Switzerland.
Two suspected female accomplices were also arrested in Nigeria during the coordinated operation. They include 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Agbor, Delta State.
According to the NDLEA, the arrests followed months of international intelligence gathering and investigations which uncovered a massive drug money laundering scheme allegedly involving hundreds of billions of naira in illicit proceeds.
Investigators also traced several luxury properties and financial assets believed to be linked to the criminal syndicate. Among the properties identified are Jovi Hotel at 1 Isiayei Street GRA Phase1, Asaba, Delta State; Jovi Hotel and Suites at 4 Orikeze by Deeper Life Road, Agbor, Delta State; as well as Jovi Apartment at Jamieson Court Mabushi, Abuja.
The agency says multiple bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets connected to the cartel have been blocked as part of efforts to disrupt the flow of illicit funds.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the NDLEA, Brigadier-General Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), described the operation as a strong warning to drug traffickers and criminal networks attempting to use Nigeria as a base for illegal activities.
Marwa said the success of the multi-country operation demonstrates the growing strength of international security collaboration and reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria does not become a safe haven for drug cartels or their criminal proceeds.
The NDLEA also commended the continued support of the United States government in areas such as intelligence sharing, tactical operations, training, and evidence management.
The operation is being seen as one of the most significant international anti-drug crackdowns involving Nigerian authorities in recent years, highlighting the increasing role of global partnerships in tackling transnational organized crime.