Dutch authorities are pressing Ghana to help dismantle the drug network of Jos Leijdekkers, a fugitive trafficker known as Bolle Jos, believed to be hiding in Sierra Leone. Leijdekkers has been sentenced to over 80 years in prison by courts in the Netherlands and Belgium for drug trafficking and related offences.
David van Weel, the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, is backing efforts to involve Ghanaian officials in the pursuit, aiming to cut the supply chains linked to Leijdekkers’ network. According to a report in De Telegraaf, the exact nature of Ghana’s support is still being negotiated but could include deploying Dutch police officers to Ghana.
Leijdekkers is reported to have connections with influential figures in Sierra Leone, including members of the president’s family, complicating ongoing extradition efforts. The Netherlands has sought his transfer from Sierra Leone for months, but no success has been reported.
The renewed focus on Leijdekkers follows a major cocaine seizure at the Port of Dunkirk in September 2026. French customs officers intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container labeled as recycled plastic waste originating from Ghana. The street value of the shipment was estimated at around US$260 million.
Four Ghanaians have been charged in connection with the seizure. They appeared before the High Court in Accra, facing allegations of conspiracy to export narcotic drugs and exportation of narcotic drugs. Among them is Desmond Koranteng Curiel, identified as a suspected Ghana-based operative for Leijdekkers’ network. All four pleaded not guilty.
Ghana’s Narcotics Control Commission issued a statement affirming that the country will not be a safe haven or transit hub for international drug trafficking organisations.
The Dutch government is applying wider pressure on Sierra Leone. The European Commission suspended €18 million in budget support to the country. Additionally, a further €22.5 million earmarked for 2027 remains under threat unless Leijdekkers is handed over. The Netherlands is also pushing for European measures to freeze his assets and limit his movements.
Beyond Ghana and Sierra Leone, the Dutch authorities are seeking cooperation from other African nations to disrupt the networks facilitating Leijdekkers’ evasion.
The case adds to the international effort against drug trafficking routes connecting West Africa to Europe. The scale of the Dunkirk seizure and the involvement of multiple countries illustrate the complexity of these networks and the challenges facing law enforcement.
According to Joy Online.
