Manhunt for Dutch Drug Trafficker Jos Leijdekkers in Sierra Leone

Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, sentenced to 24 years in prison, is being pursued by Sierra Leonean police after being spotted at a religious service. Known for his role in international cocaine trafficking, he is also linked to the disappearance of Naima Jillal. Europol is offering a reward for information about his whereabouts.

Sierra Leonean police are currently pursuing Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious Dutch drug trafficker and one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives, believed to be hiding in Sierra Leone. He was convicted in absentia by a Rotterdam court last year, receiving a 24-year prison sentence for orchestrating the transportation of seven tons of cocaine and involvement in a murder.

Jos Leijdekkers, also known by aliases including “Omar Sheriff” and “Bolle Jos,” is significant in international cocaine trafficking. He gained notoriety for his criminal activities, leading Europol to place him on its most-wanted list. Leijdekkers is also implicated in the disappearance of Naima Jillal, whose suspected fate highlights the violent underbelly of drug trafficking networks. West Africa serves as a critical transit area for cocaine smuggled from Latin America, which intensifies the urgency of his capture.

The information regarding Jos Leijdekkers’ potential presence in Sierra Leone has prompted an active manhunt as authorities strive to apprehend him. With the involvement of Europol and a reward offered for his capture, law enforcement agencies are pushing for his return to the Netherlands. The ongoing investigation is critical in combating the larger issue of cocaine trafficking affecting the region.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com