Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious drug trafficker sentenced in absentia in the Netherlands, is believed to have been living in Sierra Leone for several months, as Dutch authorities prioritize his extradition. With a substantial reward offered for information leading to his arrest, Leijdekkers' involvement highlights ongoing cocaine trafficking challenges in West Africa.
Dutch Fugitive Jos Leijdekkers Reportedly Residing in Sierra Leone Amid Drug Trafficking Investigation
Dutch Fugitive Jos Leijdekkers Reportedly Residing in Sierra Leone Amid Drug Trafficking Investigation
Authorities confirm the whereabouts of wanted drug smuggler Jos Leijdekkers, linking him to significant cocaine trade and a quest for extradition from Sierra Leone.
Dutch police have announced that Jos Leijdekkers, a 33-year-old fugitive known for his significant role in international cocaine trafficking, has been residing in Sierra Leone for approximately six months. Convicted in absentia by a Rotterdam court on June 25 last year, Leijdekkers was sentenced to 24 years for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin has declared the return of Leijdekkers to the Netherlands a top priority, although he refrained from providing further details due to the active investigation.
Leijdekkers, affectionately referred to as "Bolle Jos," was previously thought to be in Turkey. Reports from the Dutch Public Prosecution Service indicate that Sierra Leonean authorities have not yet responded to claims regarding Leijdekkers' presence in their country. Notably, a video shared by the wife of Sierra Leone's president in January appeared to feature Leijdekkers, though the veracity of the footage remains unverified by the BBC.
Dutch authorities describe Leijdekkers as a pivotal figure in the global cocaine industry. A reward of $210,000 (€168,000) is being offered for information leading to his arrest, marking it as the highest reward ever issued for a Dutch fugitive.
The relevance of this case is heightened by Sierra Leone's growing role as a transit hub for cocaine trafficking from Latin America. Recent events have underscored these concerns, including the recall of Sierra Leone's ambassador from Guinea after cocaine-laden suitcases were found in an embassy vehicle, igniting further scrutiny into drug trafficking activities in the region.
While the government of Sierra Leone promptly took action regarding its ambassador, it clarified that the envoy was not involved in the trafficking incident. As the investigation unfolds, the implications of Leijdekkers' activities continue to pose challenges for both Dutch and Sierra Leonean authorities, reflecting the broader troubles tied to drug smuggling in West Africa.
