Dutch Authorities Submit Extradition Request for Drug Fugitive Jos Leijdekkers to Sierra Leone
The Dutch have sent an extradition request for drug fugitive Jos Leijdekkers to Sierra Leone. Despite no extradition treaty, the Dutch Minister hopes for swift action against international crime. Leijdekkers, involved in serious drug offenses, has been linked to various criminal activities, including murder.
The Dutch authorities have formally submitted an extradition request to Sierra Leone for Jos Leijdekkers, who is on the run for drug smuggling and other criminal activities in Europe. Although there is no existing extradition treaty between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone, the Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel, expressed hope for cooperation in combating international organized crime.
Jos Leijdekkers, a 33-year-old fugitive known as Bolle Jos, is a notorious figure among Europe’s criminals and has faced multiple serious charges. In absentia, he was sentenced to 24 years in a Rotterdam court for smuggling seven tonnes of cocaine and committing armed robbery, as well as being linked to a murder case. Additionally, he received a 10-year sentence from a Belgian court for drug trafficking and assault. His presence in Sierra Leone was confirmed through video evidence shared online, prompting authorities to investigate.
The extradition request for Jos Leijdekkers underscores the complexity of international law enforcement operations, particularly in the absence of an extradition treaty. Despite initial claims of unawareness from Sierra Leone’s authorities, the internal investigation revealed that Leijdekkers is also known as Umar Sherif. The situation highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing transnational crime and the importance of collaboration among nations.
Original Source: www.ghanabusinessnews.com
