• Jos Leijdekkers, a key figure in international cocaine trafficking, is currently in Sierra Leone.
• He faces a 24-year prison sentence in the Netherlands for smuggling over 7 tonnes of cocaine.
• Reports suggest he may be married to the daughter of Sierra Leone's President Julius Maada Bio.
• Sierra Leone's government is investigating claims regarding Leijdekkers' high-level protection.
• A reward of €200,000 is offered for information leading to his arrest.

Reports have surfaced indicating that Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious Dutch drug lord and one of Europe's most wanted fugitives, is currently residing in Sierra Leone where he allegedly enjoys high-level protection. According to Reuters, Leijdekkers, who was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Rotterdam court in June 2024, is believed to have settled in Sierra Leone for at least six months, reportedly after living in Turkey.

The Dutch prosecutor's office has described Leijdekkers as “one of the key players in international cocaine trafficking,” responsible for smuggling significant amounts of cocaine from Latin America to Europe. Recent investigative efforts, supported by video evidence, suggest he has been spotted at public events in Sierra Leone, including a church mass where he was seen sitting close to President Julius Maada Bio on January 1, 2025. According to sources, he is married to the president's daughter, Agnes Bio, although this relationship has not been confirmed independently.

Sierra Leone's Information Ministry stated that they are looking into media allegations regarding Leijdekkers' presence and protection within the country. They emphasized their readiness to collaborate with international entities, including the Dutch government and Interpol. However, President Bio has asserted that he was unaware of Leijdekkers or the allegations surrounding him.

The Dutch authorities have expressed that capturing Leijdekkers is a top priority, offering a significant reward of €200,000 ($210,000) for information leading to his arrest. As West Africa continues to be identified as a critical transit hub for cocaine trafficking, the involvement of high-profile figures like Leijdekkers highlights the ongoing challenges faced by international law enforcement.

This investigation into Leijdekkers' activities raises important questions about organized crime and corruption in West Africa, as well as the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating drug trafficking.

For more detailed information, please refer to SCMP and BBC.