Freetown, Sierra Leone – Dutch authorities have reported that Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most-wanted drug traffickers, has been living in Sierra Leone for approximately six months. Leijdekkers, 33, was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Dutch court for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine into Europe.
Investigations by Dutch media outlets, including Follow the Money and Algemeen Dagblad, have revealed that Leijdekkers, also known as ‘Bolle Jos,’ was spotted in official footage attending a New Year’s Day church service in close proximity to Sierra Leone’s President, Julius Maada Bio. Unverified reports suggest that Leijdekkers may be married to President Bio’s daughter, Agnes, potentially providing him with high-level protection within the country.
Sierra Leone’s Response
In response to these allegations, Sierra Leone’s Information Ministry announced that it is investigating the reports of Leijdekkers’ presence in the country. The government emphasized its commitment to not becoming a refuge for organized crime and expressed readiness to cooperate with Dutch authorities and international law enforcement agencies. However, officials noted that they have not yet received any formal communication regarding Leijdekkers.
West Africa has increasingly become a significant transit point for cocaine trafficking from Latin America to Europe. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has warned that the region is at risk of becoming an epicenter for drug trafficking and the associated crime and corruption. In 2022, substantial cocaine seizures were reported in countries including Mali, Chad, Burkina Faso, and Niger.
The revelation of Leijdekkers’ alleged residence in Sierra Leone underscores the complexities of international law enforcement cooperation, especially in regions increasingly exploited by drug trafficking networks. Dutch prosecutors have offered a €200,000 reward for information leading to Leijdekkers’ arrest and continue to seek collaboration with global partners to apprehend him.
