Dutch Drug Trafficker eludes Justice in Sierra Leone

Jos Leijdekkers, sentenced to 24 years for drug smuggling, has been living in Sierra Leone for six months, raising concerns among Dutch authorities who are prioritizing his arrest.

Dutch police have confirmed that Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives, has been living in Sierra Leone for the past six months. The 33-year-old criminal was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court on June 25 last year for smuggling over seven tons of cocaine. Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin highlighted that securing Leijdekkers’ return to the Netherlands remains a "top priority." He noted ongoing investigations hinder further comments.

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service reported that Leijdekkers, known as Bolle Jos, was previously thought to be in Turkey. While Sierra Leonean authorities have yet to address these allegations, the situation has drawn attention. In January, a video surfaced online during a church service attended by the President's wife, reportedly showing Leijdekkers. However, this footage remains unverified by the BBC.

Identified as a significant player in international cocaine trafficking, Leijdekkers is listed by Europol as a high-priority target. A reward of $210,000 is being offered for information leading to his arrest, marking it as one of the highest bounties for a Dutch fugitive. The West African region is notably a critical transit hub for cocaine trafficking originating from Latin America, leading to heightened international response efforts.

On a related note, Sierra Leone took action in January by recalling its ambassador from Guinea after contraband drug activities were linked to its embassy vehicle, highlighting ongoing challenges in combatting drug trafficking in the region. Although the ambassador wasn't in the vehicle during the incident, he was requested to return for questioning. This situation continues to unfold as authorities pursue justice amidst a complex drug trade landscape.