**Jos Leijdekkers, implicated in vast cocaine trafficking operations, is under investigation for his whereabouts following a lengthy legal battle resulting in a 24-year prison sentence.**
**European Fugitive Jos Leijdekkers Living in Sierra Leone, Say Authorities**
**European Fugitive Jos Leijdekkers Living in Sierra Leone, Say Authorities**
**Dutch police confirm the wanted drug smuggler has resided in Sierra Leone for six months, sparking international concerns.**
Dutch law enforcement officials have revealed that Jos Leijdekkers, a fugitive considered one of Europe’s most wanted criminals, has been living in Sierra Leone for approximately six months. The 33-year-old was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison last June by a Rotterdam court after being found guilty of smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin emphasized that bringing the fugitive back to the Netherlands is a critical priority for authorities, though he declined to share further details due to the ongoing investigation.
Previously thought to be residing in Turkey, Leijdekkers is known by the alias Bolle Jos. The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has confirmed his presence in the West African country, although Sierra Leonean authorities have yet to respond to these allegations. Reports from Reuters indicated that Leijdekkers was seen in a video during a church service with the president’s wife in January, but this footage has not been independently verified by the BBC.
Leijdekkers has gained notoriety as a significant player in the international cocaine trade, prompting Dutch police to designate him as a dangerous fugitive. A reward of $210,000 has been announced for information leading to his capture—the highest amount ever offered for a Dutch fugitive. Leijdekkers also appears on Europol's list of most-wanted criminals.
The context of his alleged drug trafficking activities raises serious concerns, as West Africa has become a key transit region for cocaine trafficked from Latin America. Recently, Sierra Leone's diplomatic relations came under scrutiny when seven suitcases suspected to contain cocaine were discovered in an embassy vehicle in Guinea. In response to this incident, Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador to Guinea for a full account, clarifying that no wrongdoing has been attributed to the envoy involved in this particular situation.
Previously thought to be residing in Turkey, Leijdekkers is known by the alias Bolle Jos. The Dutch Public Prosecution Service has confirmed his presence in the West African country, although Sierra Leonean authorities have yet to respond to these allegations. Reports from Reuters indicated that Leijdekkers was seen in a video during a church service with the president’s wife in January, but this footage has not been independently verified by the BBC.
Leijdekkers has gained notoriety as a significant player in the international cocaine trade, prompting Dutch police to designate him as a dangerous fugitive. A reward of $210,000 has been announced for information leading to his capture—the highest amount ever offered for a Dutch fugitive. Leijdekkers also appears on Europol's list of most-wanted criminals.
The context of his alleged drug trafficking activities raises serious concerns, as West Africa has become a key transit region for cocaine trafficked from Latin America. Recently, Sierra Leone's diplomatic relations came under scrutiny when seven suitcases suspected to contain cocaine were discovered in an embassy vehicle in Guinea. In response to this incident, Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador to Guinea for a full account, clarifying that no wrongdoing has been attributed to the envoy involved in this particular situation.
