Sierra Leone probes Dutch drug lord’s alleged presence
Sierra Leone’s government has launched an investigation into reports that Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europol’s most wanted fugitives, has been living in the country under high-level protection.

File Source: Reuters
ierra Leone’s government has launched an investigation into reports that Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, one of Europol’s most wanted fugitives, has been living in the country under high-level protection.
The country’s information ministry confirmed on Sunday that it was collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to address the allegations.
Leijdekkers, sentenced in absentia by a Dutch court in June 2024 to 24 years in prison for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine, has reportedly been residing in Sierra Leone since early 2023. A spokesperson for the Dutch prosecutors’ office told Reuters that Leijdekkers had been living in the West African nation for at least six months.
Verified images from a New Year’s Day church service in Sierra Leone’s capital, Freetown, show Leijdekkers, 33, seated two rows behind President Julius Maada Bio. In the photos, Leijdekkers is next to a woman identified by three sources as Bio’s daughter, Agnes, though Reuters could not confirm their relationship. Sources claimed Agnes is married to Leijdekkers, adding that he has benefited from significant political protection in the country. However, both Agnes and the Dutch lawyer who previously represented Leijdekkers have yet to comment.
Responding to the reports, Sierra Leone’s information ministry denied any official knowledge of Leijdekkers’ presence. “The president attended numerous family events during the festive season and has no knowledge about the identity and the issues detailed in the reports about the individual in question,” the ministry said. The government also stressed its commitment to ensuring Sierra Leone does not become a safe haven for organized crime, noting that it had not received formal communication from Dutch authorities or other international agencies regarding Leijdekkers.
Sierra Leone is widely regarded as a key transshipment hub for Latin American cocaine en route to Europe. International law enforcement officials have frequently flagged the country’s vulnerability to drug trafficking networks. As the investigation continues, the government reaffirmed its readiness to work with Interpol and other international partners to uphold the rule of law.