The presence of cocaine druglord in Sierra Leone : Dutch authorities request his extradition

Home News: 6th February 2025

Dutch Authorities Request for Extradition of Cocaine Baron

Netherlands Seeks Extradition of Convicted Drug Criminal Jos Leijdekkers from Sierra Leone

David van Weel, Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, has officially announced that the Netherlands has submitted an extradition request for convicted drug criminal Jos Leijdekkers to the authorities in Sierra Leone.

In a social media statement, van Weel expressed his hope for a prompt response from Sierra Leone, emphasising the importance of collaboration in combating international organised crimes.

The extradition request follows the release of a video showing Leijdekkers attending a New Year’s Day church service with prominent government officials, including Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio, in the President’s hometown.

The situation calls into question the presence of convicted criminals in high-profile social settings, as well as the challenges of international law enforcement cooperation. #SierraLeone.

Meanwhile, Sierra Leone’s Inspector General of Police, William Faiyah Sellu has said that the photos of the White man being shown by the media as Jos Leijdekkers depict a man officially recognised in Sierra Leone as Umar Sheriff.

However, the IGP didn’t clarify whether the nature of the problem he tried to highlight. He didn’t make it clear whether the fugitive in question, Jos Leijdekkers is the same as Umar Sheriff who is galivanting all over the country.