Dutch prosecutors have announced a €2 million reward for information that leads to the arrest of Jos Leijdekkers, a 35-year-old convicted cocaine trafficker considered one of Europe's most wanted fugitives. Leijdekkers, popularly known in the Netherlands as 'Bolle Jos', is also known by the alias Omar Sherrif in Sierra Leone. The reward, worth approximately $2.2 million, is the largest ever offered by Dutch authorities.
The announcement comes amid investigations by Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) into three individuals suspected of representing and facilitating Leijdekkers' alleged drug-trafficking operations in Ghana. The suspects were arrested following the seizure of a significant cocaine consignment by French customs officials. The shipment is believed to be connected to a wider international drug-trafficking network.
NACOC has confirmed that the three individuals remain in its custody and are assisting with investigations into their alleged involvement. The Commission says the arrests form part of broader efforts to dismantle international drug-trafficking networks operating within Ghana or using the country as a transit route. Investigators are expected to establish the nature of the suspects' relationship with Leijdekkers, their activities in Ghana, and their possible connections to the wider criminal network.
Leijdekkers is regarded by Dutch prosecutors as a major figure in international cocaine trafficking and is suspected of accumulating tens of millions of euros through the illegal trade. Last year, a Dutch court sentenced him in absentia to 24 years in prison for his role in smuggling more than seven tonnes of cocaine. He is also facing several other ongoing criminal investigations in the Netherlands.
In Belgium, a court handed Leijdekkers a separate 79-year prison sentence. Dutch authorities additionally suspect him of money laundering and involvement in serious acts of violence. The outcome of the investigation could shed light on whether Ghana served as a transit hub, operational base, or coordination point for activities allegedly associated with the fugitive.
The investigations in Ghana are part of a broader international effort to combat drug trafficking. The country's name has been linked to several high-profile cocaine busts in recent years, and authorities are working to prevent Ghana from being used as a transit route for illicit substances. The government has faced criticism for its handling of the issue, with some accusing it of not doing enough to address the problem.
The Dutch prosecutors' offer of a €2 million reward is a significant move in the efforts to bring Leijdekkers to justice. It reflects the seriousness with which European authorities view his crimes and their determination to disrupt international drug-trafficking networks. The case is expected to continue to unfold in the coming weeks and months, with further developments likely to emerge as investigations continue.
Key points
- Dutch prosecutors offer €2 million reward for information leading to the arrest of Jos Leijdekkers.
- Leijdekkers is suspected of accumulating tens of millions of euros through international cocaine trafficking.
- The investigations in Ghana are part of a broader international effort to combat drug trafficking.
