Dutch Drug Smuggler Jos Leijdekkers Resurfaces in Sierra Leone

The Dutch police have declared the arrest of Jos Leijdekkers, a major figure in international cocaine trafficking, a top priority after reports place him in Sierra Leone. Following a lengthy investigation, Dutch authorities are offering a bountiful reward for information leading to his capture.

Dutch authorities have confirmed that Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives, has been living in Sierra Leone for approximately six months. The 33-year-old was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court for his involvement in the smuggling of over seven tonnes of cocaine. Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin emphasized the urgency of Leijdekkers' return to the Netherlands, stating, "We are doing everything we can in that regard but cannot comment any further because of the ongoing investigation."

Known by the nickname Bolle Jos, Leijdekkers was previously thought to be residing in Turkey until recent developments pointed to Sierra Leone. While Sierra Leonean officials have yet to comment on the matter, reports from Reuters suggest that Leijdekkers was spotted in a social media video shared by the First Lady of Sierra Leone during a church service in January. The media outlet has not verified the authenticity of the footage.

Considering his significance in international cocaine trafficking, Dutch police have listed Leijdekkers as a "key player" in the drug trade. To facilitate his capture, a reward of $210,000 (£168,000) has been put forth for information leading to his arrest, marking the highest sum ever offered for a Dutch fugitive. Leijdekkers has also been included in Europol's most-wanted list.

West Africa serves as a crucial transit zone for cocaine trafficking from Latin America, and recent events have drawn attention to the region. On January 17, Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador from Guinea after authorities there discovered seven suitcases containing suspected cocaine within an embassy vehicle. Foreign Minister Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba stated that while the recalled ambassador was not in the vehicle and under no suspicion, the incident necessitated immediate action from the Sierra Leonean government.