Sierra Leonean Police Identify Wanted Drug Baron Jos Leijdekkers as Umar Sherif
Sierra Leone police have identified the wanted drug baron Jos Leijdekkers as Umar Sherif, linking him to activities with the country’s president. Despite extensive searches, Sherif’s whereabouts remain unknown. The Netherlands plans to request his extradition, even without a treaty in place. Sherif has a significant criminal background in Europe related to drug smuggling and violent crimes.
The Sierra Leone police have identified an individual previously thought to be the Dutch drug baron Jos Leijdekkers as Umar Sherif. This revelation comes after videos and photos surfaced showing Sherif alongside Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and his daughter, Agnes Bio, where he appeared to be engaged in activities on a farm with them.
Inspector General of Police Willam Sellu announced that despite extensive investigations, tracing Sherif’s movements has proven difficult. The Open Source Investigation Unit confirmed the identity of the man depicted in the social media images, affirming he is, in fact, Umar Sherif.
Sherif, 33, who is also known as Bolle Jos, has been on the run for drug smuggling in the Netherlands and is regarded as one of Europe’s most wanted criminals. He was sentenced in absentia to 24 years by a Rotterdam court for smuggling cocaine and has other convictions pending against him related to serious crimes.
The Dutch Ministry of Justice plans to request Sherif’s extradition from Sierra Leone, despite the absence of a formal extradition agreement between the two countries. Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin confirmed that a request would be submitted to Sierra Leonean authorities regarding Sherif’s extradition.
The identification of Jos Leijdekkers as Umar Sherif by the Sierra Leonean police sheds light on the international efforts to apprehend wanted drug smugglers. Sherif’s connections with top officials in Sierra Leone raise concerns about his influence and activities in the country, where he has reportedly resided for several months. His extensive criminal history in Europe, including severe drug trafficking offences, has made him a prime target for law enforcement agencies. The developments emphasize the complexities involved in tracking fugitives who establish connections while evading arrest in foreign territories, and the legal hurdles authorities face when attempting extradition without formal treaties. The significance of this case extends beyond Sherif, as it reflects broader trends in global drug trafficking and the collaboration necessary between nations to combat organized crime.
In conclusion, the identification of Umar Sherif within Sierra Leone highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracing fugitive criminals. As Sherif remains at large, the implications of his criminal activities continue to pose threats not only to the Netherlands but also to Sierra Leone. The ongoing investigation and the Dutch call for extradition underscore the need for international cooperation in tackling crime. Authorities are encouraging the public to assist in providing potential information about Sherif’s location.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
