Jos Leijdekkers drug trafficking investigation

Dutch cocaine trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, also known as ‘Bolle Jos’, has reportedly been living in Sierra Leone under the false identity of ‘Omar Sheriff,’ a Turkish investor. Investigations suggest he has operated openly in Freetown since late 2022, using his wealth to build local goodwill by distributing cash and rice. While Sierra Leone has reportedly refused to extradite him, his influence appears to be declining as international scrutiny increases.

In response to his activities, the Netherlands is seeking assistance from Ghana to disrupt Leijdekkers’ drug-trafficking network and cut off supply routes. This diplomatic push follows a September 2026 seizure by French customs of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine found in a container from Ghana.

As international pressure mounts, the European Commission has suspended €18 million in budget support to Sierra Leone. Meanwhile, in Accra, several individuals have pleaded not guilty to drug conspiracy and exportation charges related to the broader trafficking operations.