The European Union’s most wanted cocaine trafficker, Leijdekkers, is thriving in Sierra Leone, rubbing shoulders with the country’s elite while European authorities seek his extradition.
Recent evidence places the sacked Chief Immigration Officer, Alusine Kanneh, at a restaurant along Freetown’s coastline, where reports indicate the Dutch-born Leijdekkers handed him a wrapped gift. In the same setting, the convicted drug trafficker picks up a watch from a table of presents, dangling it in front of Kanneh, while Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, Sierra Leone’s chief of the anti-drugs agency, watches on with amusement.
A newly surfaced video from Kanneh’s glamorous 50th birthday celebration, reportedly from last year, shows Leijdekkers dressed in a black-and-gold Versace shirt, enjoying the company of top officials. The 33-year-old appears to be in excellent standing with Sierra Leone’s leadership, sharing laughs, applause, and enthusiastic handshakes with Kanneh.
However, European authorities have a different vision for him: a prison cell. Leijdekkers, also known as “Chubby Jos,” has already been convicted in absentia in the Netherlands and Belgium, receiving a combined 47-year sentence for his role in large-scale drug smuggling. Europol has described him as “one of the key players in international cocaine smuggling,” and Dutch prosecutors have prioritized his extradition.
Yet, appeals from European officials seem to be ignored as Leijdekkers becomes increasingly embedded within Sierra Leone’s ruling class. An investigation by Follow the Money and Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad (AD) suggests that Sierra Leonean authorities are providing him with protection.
Former Inspector General of Police Ambrose Sovula—another key ally of Leijdekkers—was also implicated in these dealings. Leijdekkers has further solidified his influence by marrying President Julius Maada Bio’s daughter, reportedly securing a safe haven in Sierra Leone.
Despite mounting evidence, government officials have dismissed the reports as mistaken identity. However, critical questions remain: Why did President Bio suddenly dismiss former IGP Ambrose Sovula and former Chief Immigration Officer Alusine Kanneh? Are they merely scapegoats while the real operation continues under his watch?
As investigations deepen, our next publication will reveal more officials involved.
See pictures.
Source: Follow the Money and Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad (AD)
