Dutch Drug Smuggler Jos Leijdekkers Reported to Live in Sierra Leone

Jos Leijdekkers, a wanted Dutch drug smuggler, has reportedly been living in Sierra Leone for about six months after being sentenced to 24 years in prison for drug trafficking. Authorities prioritize his capture, offering a reward of $210,000 and marking him as a key player in international cocaine trafficking.

Dutch authorities have confirmed that Jos Leijdekkers, a 33-year-old fugitive and one of Europe’s most-wanted criminals, has been living in Sierra Leone for approximately six months. Sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison in June 2022 for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine, he is also known by the nickname “Bolle Jos.” Prosecutor Wim de Bruin emphasized that Leijdekkers’s capture is a highest priority for law enforcement.

Jos Leijdekkers is a central figure in international cocaine trafficking and is regarded as one of the most significant fugitives by Europol. His previous whereabouts were believed to be in Turkey until recent sightings placed him in Sierra Leone. This West African nation serves as a crucial transit hub for cocaine being trafficked from Latin America. The involvement of Sierra Leone in cocaine trafficking was further highlighted when seven suitcases of suspected cocaine were discovered in an embassy vehicle, prompting investigations into possible diplomatic misconduct.

In summary, the case of Jos Leijdekkers underscores the complexities of international drug trafficking and fugitive apprehension. With a significant reward offered for his capture and his notoriety as a leading player in cocaine smuggling, the Dutch government is actively pursuing efforts to secure his arrest. The unfolding events in Sierra Leone, particularly with the cocaine incident linked to its embassy, add an additional layer of urgency to the situation.

Original Source: www.bbc.com