# Sierra Leone cocaine trafficking and extradition dispute > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/sierra-leone-cocaine-trafficking-allegations > Updated: 2026-09-29T15:22:10.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 3. Sierra Leone remains under international scrutiny regarding allegations that it serves as a transit hub for cocaine trafficking networks. Central to the controversy is Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, known as ‘Bolle Jos’, who was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison for cocaine trafficking and murder. Recent reports indicate Leijdekkers’ presence in Freetown has been highly visible, including a reported sighting in close proximity to President Julius Maada Bio during a religious service in early 2025. While Sierra Leonean officials, including Chief Minister David Sengeh, maintain that security intelligence is unaware of his current location, the inability to confirm his whereabouts has intensified concerns regarding the influence of trafficking networks on state institutions. The situation has escalated into a diplomatic and financial dispute. Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel announced the suspension of €18 million in EU budget support to Sierra Leone, describing the move as a “very important signal” to combat organized crime and citing the country’s refusal to extradite Leijdekkers. Van Weel suggested the matter could be resolved within 24 hours through the fugitive's arrest and indicated that an additional €22.5 million earmarked for 2027 could also be withheld if cooperation does not occur. However, the motivation for the suspension is contested. The European Commission, via Commissioner Magnus Brunner, attributed the halt to “technical reasons and administrative errors” regarding the financing agreement. Sierra Leone’s Information Ministry has also disputed the link to Leijdekkers, citing procedural issues and accusing the Netherlands of neo-colonialism. Development organizations, such as Cordaid, have expressed concern that the suspension will disproportionately impact local populations relying on aid for health and food security. ## Claims - The European Commission has halted €18 million in aid to Sierra Leone to pressure the country to extradite Jos Leijdekkers. (disputed by 3 sources) - The Sierra Leonean government claims the delay in EU funding is due to technical and procedural issues regarding a financing agreement amendment. (disputed by 2 sources) - European Commissioner Magnus Brunner stated that the decision regarding the 2026 disbursement was based on technical and administrative reasons. (disputed by 2 sources) - Jos Leijdekkers, known as Bolle Jos, was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in the Netherlands for cocaine trafficking and murder. (corroborated by 4 sources) - An additional €22.5 million in EU aid earmarked for 2027 could be suspended if Sierra Leone continues to refuse cooperation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - The suspension is due to Sierra Leone’s alleged failure to cooperate in the arrest and extradition of Jos Leijdekkers. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Leijdekkers has received multiple convictions in Belgium totaling approximately 100 years in prison. (single source) - Leijdekkers reportedly maintains close ties to the Sierra Leonean government and has a child with the daughter of President Julius Maada Bio. (single source) - The Sierra Leone Ministry of Health requested NLe341.27 million in recurrent funding for the FY2027 budget. (single source) - The Ministry of Health proposed NLe211 million for new capital projects, including regional hospitals and immunization programs. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: EU suspends €18m aid to Sierra Leone over extradition dispute The EU has suspended €18 million in aid to Sierra Leone, allegedly to pressure the nation to extradite Dutch drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers. Sierra Leone claims the delay is due to technical issues. 12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/netherlands-pressures-sierra-leone-over-drug-criminal-extradition ### 2026-09-22: Sierra Leone faces scrutiny over alleged cocaine trafficking hub Sierra Leone faces international pressure over allegations that Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers has used the country as a cocaine trafficking hub and established significant local influence. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sierra-leone-faces-scrutiny-over-alleged-cocaine-trafficking-hub ### 2026-09-17: Sierra Leone identified as key drug trafficking transit hub by EU Parliament The European Parliament has identified Sierra Leone as a key drug transit hub, specifically citing the fugitive Dutch trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, who remains at large in the country. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/sierra-leone-identified-as-key-drug-trafficking-transit-hub-by-eu-parliament --- Cite as: Sierra Leone cocaine trafficking and extradition dispute. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/sierra-leone-cocaine-trafficking-allegations