Dutch Fugitive Jos Leijdekkers Found in Sierra Leone

Authorities are prioritizing the return of Jos Leijdekkers, who was sentenced for smuggling a record amount of cocaine, as he becomes a focal point in international drug trafficking investigations.

Jos Leijdekkers, a 33-year-old fugitive on Europe’s most-wanted list for his involvement in drug smuggling, has reportedly been residing in Sierra Leone for the past six months. He was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court last June for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin emphasized that tracking down Leijdekkers is of "the highest priority," although he noted that ongoing investigations prevent him from disclosing further details.

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service confirmed that Leijdekkers, also known by his nickname "Bolle Jos," had been previously believed to be in Turkey. Reports indicate that he was sighted in January during a social media event involving the wife of Sierra Leone's president at a church service. However, the BBC has not yet confirmed the authenticity of the footage.

Dutch police have labeled Leijdekkers as a major figure in international cocaine trafficking, and a reward of $210,000 has been offered for information leading to his arrest, marking it as one of the highest bounties ever posted for a Dutch fugitive. He is listed by Europol among the most-wanted individuals.

This announcement comes amid growing concerns about cocaine trafficking routes through West Africa, and it coincides with an incident where Guinea authorities discovered seven suitcases allegedly containing cocaine linked to Sierra Leone's embassy. In response, Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador to Guinea for a full account of the affair. Although there’s no evidence linking the ambassador to the incident, the foreign minister stressed the seriousness of the matter. The spotlight on both Leijdekkers and regional drug trafficking continues to grow as investigations and potential consequences unfold.