Jos Leijdekkers: Dutch Drug Smuggler Reportedly Residing in Sierra Leone

Jos Leijdekkers, a 33-year-old Dutch drug smuggler, is reportedly living in Sierra Leone after being sentenced to 24 years for cocaine trafficking. Dutch authorities prioritize his arrest, offering a $210,000 reward. The situation is linked to broader concerns about drug trafficking in West Africa, particularly the region’s role as a cocaine transit point.

Dutch authorities have confirmed that Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious drug smuggler, is residing in Sierra Leone. Leijdekkers, aged 33, was sentenced to 24 years in prison in absentia by a Rotterdam court for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. The prosecutor, Wim de Bruin, emphasized that locating Leijdekkers is a top priority, although he refrained from further commenting due to the ongoing investigation.

Leijdekkers has reportedly lived in Sierra Leone for approximately six months, though he was previously believed to be in Turkey. He is known by his alias, Bolle Jos. While the Sierra Leonean authorities have not publicly addressed these claims, a January sighting mentioned by Reuters indicated Leijdekkers appeared in a social media video featuring the President’s wife at a church service, although the BBC has not verified this footage.

As one of the principal figures in international cocaine trafficking, Leijdekkers is categorized as one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives by Europol. A reward of $210,000 is being offered for information leading to his capture, marking a record amount for a Dutch fugitive. The involvement of West Africa as a transit corridor for cocaine from Latin America remains a significant issue.

On 17 January, a separate incident in Sierra Leone raised concerns about cocaine trafficking, as seven suitcases filled with suspected cocaine were discovered in an embassy vehicle in Guinea. In response, Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador to Guinea to investigate the matter. The ambassador was not implicated in the incident and remains under no charges.

Jos Leijdekkers currently stands as one of Europe’s most-wanted drug traffickers following his sentencing for large-scale cocaine smuggling. His presence in Sierra Leone highlights the broader challenge of drug trafficking in West Africa, which has become a vital transit route for cocaine originating from South America. The urgent efforts by Dutch authorities to apprehend him underscore the international nature of drug law enforcement and the cooperation needed among various nations.

The hunt for Jos Leijdekkers emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by law enforcement in combating international drug trafficking. The significant reward for his capture reflects the Dutch authorities’ commitment to addressing organized crime. Furthermore, the recent discovery of cocaine in Sierra Leone highlights the region’s role in the global drug trade, necessitating vigilance and cooperation from law enforcement bodies worldwide.

Original Source: www.bbc.com