In a startling revelation, Dutch prosecutors have identified Sierra Leone as the current refuge of Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious Dutch drug trafficker. Leijdekkers, who has been evading European authorities, was recently spotted in a video attending a New Year’s Day church service in Tihun, Sierra Leone. In the footage, he is seen seated near a woman believed to be Agnes Bio, daughter of Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio. This association has raised concerns about potential high-level protection facilitating his stay in the country.

Leijdekkers, often referred to as “Chubby Jos,” was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison by a Dutch court for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. He is also implicated in the disappearance of Naima Jillal, dubbed the “Godmother of Cocaine.” Listed among Europol’s most wanted fugitives, Leijdekkers has reportedly been residing in Sierra Leone since early 2023. The Sierra Leonean government has stated that it is investigating these reports and has expressed its commitment to cooperating with international law enforcement agencies.

The emergence of Sierra Leone as a potential haven for international drug traffickers underscores a broader trend in global narcotics trafficking. West African nations, including Sierra Leone, have increasingly become transshipment points for Latin American cocaine destined for Europe. This shift is partly due to intensified law enforcement efforts in traditional entry points like Antwerp and Rotterdam, prompting traffickers to seek alternative routes.

Several major ports worldwide have been identified as key nodes in the global cocaine trade:

• Port of Antwerp, Belgium: Historically Europe’s primary entry point for cocaine, recent crackdowns have led to a decrease in seizures, indicating possible route diversification by traffickers.
• Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands: Alongside Antwerp, Rotterdam has been a significant hub for cocaine smuggling into Europe.
• Port of Gioia Tauro, Italy: Investigations estimate that a substantial portion of Europe’s cocaine arrives via Gioia Tauro’s docks, with the ‘Ndrangheta crime syndicate exerting considerable influence over port activities.
• Port of Santos, Brazil: As the largest port in Latin America, Santos is a critical departure point for cocaine shipments heading to Europe and other regions.
• Port of Vancouver, Canada: This port is utilized for smuggling cocaine into Canada and serves as a transshipment point for drugs destined for Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia.

The case of Jos Leijdekkers highlights the complex interplay between international drug trafficking networks and local political dynamics. As authorities in Sierra Leone and the Netherlands continue their investigations, the situation underscores the critical need for robust international cooperation to combat the pervasive influence of narcotics trafficking across borders.