Sierra Leone Government Denies Claims of Sheltering European Drug Fugitive, Jos Leijdekkers

The Ministry of Information and Civic Education issued a public statement on January 26th, 2025, addressing media reports linking notorious convicted drug felon, Jos Leijdekkers, to Sierra Leone. 

The reports allege that Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted individuals, visited the country and appeared in photographs taken at events attended by President Julius Maada Bio and his family during the festive season.

According to Reuters, he was identified using advanced facial recognition tools, which matched images of him attending a New Year’s Day mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Tihun, the President’s hometown. The images showed him sitting near President Bio.

The government clarified that President Bio attended numerous public and family events during the festive period and posed for photographs with various attendees. It emphasized that the President did not know Leijdekkers’ identity or the allegations mentioned in the media. 

The government also confirmed that no foreign country or institution has formally communicated with Sierra Leone regarding Leijdekkers.

Sierra Leone Government Assured Transparent and Thorough Investigation

The government assured the public that a transparent and thorough investigation is underway to ascertain the facts surrounding the allegations, including the identity and activities of the individual in question. 

In addition, the Sierra Leone Police is working closely with the Dutch Government, Interpol, and other international law enforcement agencies to ensure full cooperation and accountability in addressing the situation.

Reaffirming its commitment to combating transnational crime, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, human trafficking, and terrorism, the government underscored its determination to prevent Sierra Leone from becoming a safe haven for organized crime. 

The release further stated that the government has not received any formal communication from international agencies or countries regarding the fugitive. The Ministry of Information assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the veracity of the allegations. 

Additionally, Sierra Leone’s police are working in collaboration with Dutch authorities and Interpol to ensure full cooperation. The Ministry of Information pledged to provide timely updates on the investigation as it unfolds, ensuring transparency and accountability in handling the matter.

Government of Sierra Leone Ministry of Information and Civic Education public statement

Background of the Case

In a developing story that has stirred both national and international attention, reports have surfaced alleging that Jos Leijdekkers, a convicted drug trafficker and one of Europe’s most-wanted fugitives, has been residing in Sierra Leone for the past six months. 

International and social media, including Reuters, say Leijdekkers is connected to Sierra Leone’s first family through marriage. However, Reuters also say they can not confirm the relationship.

Leijdekkers, 33, was sentenced in absentia by a Rotterdam court in June 2024 for smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine and laundering millions of euros. 

Further allegations state that Leijdekkers has received “high-level protection” while in Sierra Leone. Sources also point to his alleged involvement in illicit activities, including gold smuggling and links to the drug trade in the region. 

These claims have intensified international scrutiny of Sierra Leone’s potential role as a transit hub for cocaine trafficking.