A suspected Nigerian billionaire drug trafficker, Amadi Simon, has been arrested in Switzerland following a coordinated international operation involving Nigerian and foreign security agencies.
The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) confirmed the arrest in a statement released today by its spokesperson, Femi Babafemi.
According to the agency, the operation was carried out in collaboration with the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and several European security agencies.
The arrest was part of a wider investigation into alleged international drug trafficking and money laundering activities linked to the suspect.
NDLEA said the coordinated operation led to simultaneous arrests across multiple locations on April 28, 2026.
Alongside Simon’s arrest in Switzerland, two alleged accomplices were also apprehended in Nigeria: 34-year-old Jecinta Amara Ikechi in Anambra State and 28-year-old Blessing Ngozi Amadi in Delta State.
Authorities revealed that the suspects were being investigated for allegedly laundering hundreds of billions of naira believed to be proceeds from drug trafficking and other financial crimes.
The network was said to operate through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets, and multiple bank accounts spread across several countries.
Investigators also reportedly traced luxury properties in Nigeria allegedly linked to the syndicate, including hospitality and residential assets in Delta State and Abuja.
Some bank accounts and cryptocurrency addresses connected to the group have already been frozen as investigations continue.
The NDLEA Chairman, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a major breakthrough in the fight against international drug trafficking and illicit financial flows.
He added that Nigeria would continue working with global partners to prevent the country from becoming a safe haven for criminal networks.
Marwa also praised the role of international intelligence cooperation, noting that collaboration with the US DEA and other agencies was crucial in dismantling the alleged network.
Authorities say investigations are still ongoing, with more arrests and asset recoveries expected.
