Dutch Fugitive Allegedly Hiding in Sierra Leone Amid Global Drug Trafficking Allegations

January 25, 2025

Dutch authorities have reported that Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives, has been residing in Sierra Leone for the past six months. Leijdekkers, also known as "Bolle Jos," was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court in June 2024 for his role in smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine.

The Netherlands' Public Prosecution Service has identified Leijdekkers as a central figure in international cocaine trafficking, with a $210,000 reward offered for information leading to his arrest. Europol has also listed him as one of its most-wanted fugitives.

Reports suggest that Leijdekkers was spotted in Sierra Leone in January when a video posted on social media by the country’s First Lady allegedly captured him attending a church service. The footage has not been independently verified.

Sierra Leonean authorities have yet to comment on these allegations. Meanwhile, West Africa continues to be a major transit hub for cocaine trafficking from Latin America.

In a related incident, Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador to Guinea after seven suitcases of suspected cocaine were found in a vehicle belonging to the embassy. While the ambassador was not directly implicated, the government is investigating the incident to address any potential involvement in drug trafficking.

Efforts to apprehend Leijdekkers are ongoing, with Dutch officials emphasizing the urgency of his extradition to the Netherlands.