THE Netherlands has officially requested the extradition of convicted drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers from Sierra Leone, Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel announced on Thursday. Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, was convicted in absentia for his role in a major cocaine smuggling operation. The story was first reported by Reuters, citing multiple sources with direct knowledge of the case.
Fugitive allegedly protected in Sierra Leone
According to Reuters, Leijdekkers is believed to be hiding in Sierra Leone under high-level protection. Sources close to the investigation, along with photographic and video evidence reviewed by Reuters, support claims of his presence in the West African nation. Despite the lack of an official extradition treaty between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone, the Dutch government remains hopeful for cooperation.
‘I hope for swift action from the authorities of Sierra Leone and to find them on our side in this fight against international organised crime,’ Van Weel stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Sierra Leone pledges cooperation
In response, Sierra Leone’s Ministry of Information confirmed that local police are prepared to collaborate with Dutch authorities, Interpol, and other international law enforcement bodies. Chief of Police William Fayia Sellu acknowledged that the man identified by Reuters as Leijdekkers is known locally as ‘Umar Sheriff.’
Sellu noted that police had conducted multiple raids to apprehend Sheriff but had yet to locate him. However, he did not confirm whether Leijdekkers and Sheriff are indeed the same individual.
Legal and diplomatic challenges ahead
Although the Netherlands and Sierra Leone do not have an extradition treaty, Sierra Leonean officials have indicated a willingness to cooperate, given the international implications of the case.
Leijdekkers’ former lawyer in the Netherlands, Guy Weski, has not commented on the extradition request. The situation remains fluid as both countries navigate legal complexities to ensure that justice is served.
This case highlights the growing challenge of combating international organised crime, with authorities across borders working together to track down fugitives and dismantle criminal networks.
