Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, wanted for cocaine trafficking, has reportedly been living in Sierra Leone for the past six months, prompting international law enforcement to prioritize his arrest. The 33-year-old was sentenced to 24 years in absentia in June 2022 after a court in Rotterdam convicted him for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. Dutch authorities, led by prosecutor Wim de Bruin, have declared that Leijdekkers' return is of "the highest priority," although details remain limited due to the ongoing investigation. Known as "Bolle Jos," Leijdekkers was previously thought to be in Turkey. Recent reports indicate that he was spotted during a church service alongside the President's wife in January, but Sierra Leonean officials have yet to respond to the claims. The Dutch police have put a $210,000 reward for information leading to his capture, the largest offered for any fugitive in the Netherlands. Leijdekkers is also listed as one of Europol's most wanted fugitives, as West Africa continues to be a significant hub for cocaine trafficking from Latin America. Tensions in Sierra Leone escalated recently when several suitcases allegedly containing cocaine were discovered in an embassy vehicle, leading to the urgent recall of the country’s ambassador from Guinea.
Wanted Dutch Drug Trafficker Found Living in Sierra Leone

Wanted Dutch Drug Trafficker Found Living in Sierra Leone
Authorities reveal that Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious drug-smuggler, has been residing in Sierra Leone for about six months after a lengthy evasion from Dutch police.
Wanted Dutch Drug Trafficker Found Living in Sierra Leone
Authorities reveal that Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious drug-smuggler, has been residing in Sierra Leone for about six months after a lengthy evasion from Dutch police.
Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, wanted for cocaine trafficking, has reportedly been living in Sierra Leone for the past six months, prompting international law enforcement to prioritize his arrest. The 33-year-old was sentenced to 24 years in absentia in June 2022 after a court in Rotterdam convicted him for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. Dutch authorities, led by prosecutor Wim de Bruin, have declared that Leijdekkers' return is of "the highest priority," although details remain limited due to the ongoing investigation. Known as "Bolle Jos," Leijdekkers was previously thought to be in Turkey. Recent reports indicate that he was spotted during a church service alongside the President's wife in January, but Sierra Leonean officials have yet to respond to the claims. The Dutch police have put a $210,000 reward for information leading to his capture, the largest offered for any fugitive in the Netherlands. Leijdekkers is also listed as one of Europol's most wanted fugitives, as West Africa continues to be a significant hub for cocaine trafficking from Latin America. Tensions in Sierra Leone escalated recently when several suitcases allegedly containing cocaine were discovered in an embassy vehicle, leading to the urgent recall of the country’s ambassador from Guinea.
Authorities reveal that Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious drug-smuggler, has been residing in Sierra Leone for about six months after a lengthy evasion from Dutch police.
Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, wanted for cocaine trafficking, has reportedly been living in Sierra Leone for the past six months, prompting international law enforcement to prioritize his arrest. The 33-year-old was sentenced to 24 years in absentia in June 2022 after a court in Rotterdam convicted him for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. Dutch authorities, led by prosecutor Wim de Bruin, have declared that Leijdekkers' return is of "the highest priority," although details remain limited due to the ongoing investigation. Known as "Bolle Jos," Leijdekkers was previously thought to be in Turkey. Recent reports indicate that he was spotted during a church service alongside the President's wife in January, but Sierra Leonean officials have yet to respond to the claims. The Dutch police have put a $210,000 reward for information leading to his capture, the largest offered for any fugitive in the Netherlands. Leijdekkers is also listed as one of Europol's most wanted fugitives, as West Africa continues to be a significant hub for cocaine trafficking from Latin America. Tensions in Sierra Leone escalated recently when several suitcases allegedly containing cocaine were discovered in an embassy vehicle, leading to the urgent recall of the country’s ambassador from Guinea.