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

The development was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by NDLEA spokesman Femi Babafemi.

According to the agency, the operation followed months of intelligence gathering and investigations across several countries.

“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,” the statement said.

The NDLEA identified the other suspects as Jecinta Amara Ikechi, arrested in Anambra State, and Blessing Ngozi Amadi, arrested in Agbor.

Authorities alleged that the syndicate operated a sophisticated financial network used to move and conceal proceeds from drug trafficking through shell companies, cryptocurrency wallets, and multiple international bank accounts.

Investigators also traced several luxury properties in Nigeria allegedly linked to the suspects, including Jovi Hotel in Asaba, Jovi Hotel and Suites in Agbor, and Jovi Apartment in Mabushi, Abuja.

The NDLEA added that bank accounts and cryptocurrency wallets connected to the network had been frozen as investigations continue.

Chairman of the NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa, described the operation as a breakthrough in the fight against international drug trafficking and financial crimes.

Marwa stated that the agency would continue to partner with global security organisations to prevent Nigeria from becoming a haven for drug cartels and illicit financial activities.

He also commended the role played by the US-DEA and other international agencies, noting that intelligence sharing and joint operations were crucial to dismantling the alleged network.