Drug boss in Sierra Leone: a game on life and death!

Drug boss in Sierra Leone: a game on life and death!

Jos Leijdekkers, a Dutch drug boss, was discovered in Sierra Leone, where he kept hidden. According to Radio Herford is a key figure in the international cocaine trade and is on the EU list of the most searched. Last year he was sentenced to 24 years in prison in the Netherlands after he was held responsible for the smuggling of almost seven tons of cocaine and for the arrangement of a murder.

The legal situation for Leijdekkers has further intensified after a Belgian court sentenced him to ten years in prison in September, also for drug trafficking and assault. Before his discovery in Sierra Leone, he was suspected in Turkey. The Dutch police have suspended a reward of 200,000 euros for information on the arrest of Leijdekkers.

The role of Sierra Leones in drug trafficking

Sierra Leone plays a crucial role in the cocaine trade between South America and Europe. There is no delivery agreement between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone, which makes it difficult to return. The country is one of the ten most developed states in the world, despite rich mineral resources, and occupies 108 out of 180 in the corruption ranking of Transparency International.

These circumstances give rise to concern. Sierra Leone is increasingly seen as a transit country for drugs, which not only harms the local population, but also undermines state institutions. Drug trade is identified as the greatest threat to the country and is closely related to weapons and human trafficking as well as widespread corruption. A report by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon emphasizes the urgent international support that is needed to counteract drug trafficking that has strengthened in recent years.

investigation and criminal prosecution

The investigation into drug trafficking in Europe is in full swing. An incident at the Antwerp port, in which a man jumped into the harbor and hid behind a container ship, led to the discovery of almost 500 kg cocaine that was left behind. A comprehensive investigation was initiated, with the police searched over 20 addresses in Belgium and the Netherlands and arrested dozens of suspects. As part of the Sky ECC investigation into organized crime, it was found that Leijdekkers had given the order to pass out a security guard and enter into a container until his accomplices picked up the drugs, such as VRT reported.

A total of 26 other people were convicted, including Flor Bressers, who was sentenced to two years in prison because he had provided a weapon and fake license plates. The trial against 30 defendants, which began in May, is a further indication of the serious efforts of the law enforcement authorities to act against drug trafficking.