Dutch Drug Kingpin ‘Bolle’ Jos Sentenced to 13 Years in Absentia

‘Bolle’ Jos Leijdekkers, a prominent Dutch drug lord, was sentenced to 13 years in absentia by an Antwerp court for attempting to steal 10 tonnes of cocaine. This theft attempt, which involved a gang of armed men, was ultimately unsuccessful. Leijdekkers remains on the run in Sierra Leone, where he is suspected of holding citizenship, complicating extradition efforts from Dutch authorities.

The notorious Dutch drug trafficker, ‘Bolle’ Jos Leijdekkers, has received a 13-year prison sentence in absentia by the Antwerp correctional court for orchestrating an attempted theft of 10 tonnes of cocaine. The court proceedings revealed that although the robbery was carefully planned, it ultimately failed. A total of 19 individuals faced trial, resulting in varying sentences, while Leijdekkers remains at large in Sierra Leone.

In October 2023, customs intercepted a substantial shipment of cocaine valued at approximately €250 million, hidden within soy flour containers. Efforts to reclaim the stolen goods were thwarted when armed men attempted to retrieve the drugs from a warehouse. Fortunately, law enforcement promptly apprehended seven suspects involved in the attack.

Leijdekkers is alleged to have masterminded the operation and is suspected of having ties to the daughter of Sierra Leone’s president. The Public Prosecutor highlighted the potential for violence, stating that “the armed commando wanted to recover that batch of cocaine at any cost.” The judge noted that the gang disregarded the grave implications of their actions.

Despite his recent conviction, Leijdekkers previously received a 24-year prison term linked to several drug operations and a murder contract. He is believed to have secured Sierra Leonean citizenship, which complicates his extradition. The Sierra Leonean government has refused extradition requests from the Netherlands, although local police continue their investigations.

In summary, ‘Bolle’ Jos Leijdekkers has been sentenced to an additional 13 years in absentia for attempting to steal a massive cocaine shipment, reflecting his status as one of the Netherlands’ most wanted criminals. His successful evasion of law enforcement through connections and alleged citizenship in Sierra Leone poses significant challenges for authorities seeking to bring him to justice. The incident underscores the dangers of drug-related criminal enterprises and the urgent need for international cooperation in combating such issues.

Original Source: www.thesierraleonetelegraph.com