A Dutch man wanted around the world for big drug crimes is living like a king on Sierra Leone’s beach, a new Daily Mail investigation claims.
The paper says Jos Leijdekkers, better known as Chubby Jos or Bolle Jos, is now the top target after another major drug boss was arrested and locked up.
European courts have already sentenced him to many years in prison for moving tonnes of cocaine and other serious offences. A large reward is still offered for information that leads to his capture.
According to the report, he stays at a quiet resort in Tokeh, just outside Freetown. He drives around in a blacked-out Mercedes with armed escorts. People know him here as Omar Sheriff or Umarr Sheriff.
The Daily Mail says he is linked to President Julius Maada Bio’s family and has a child with the president’s daughter. Government officials have denied knowing him or any such connection.
He is also tied to one of the biggest drug busts ever. Spanish forces stopped a ship called the Arconian after it left Freetown. On board they found more than 30 tonnes of cocaine worth nearly a billion dollars. Investigators believe the whole plan was organised from Sierra Leone.
European countries, especially the Netherlands, are pushing hard. They want him handed over and have talked about cutting development aid to Sierra Leone until that happens. Sierra Leone has become an important stop for cocaine coming from South America on its way to Europe. Several large seizures linked to the country have been made in recent years.
Just this month, the Office of National Security said they are actively looking for both Umarr Sheriff and Jos Leijdekkers. They asked the public for any useful information and said they are working with neighbouring countries.
For ordinary Sierra Leoneans, the story raises serious questions about our ports, security and how far outside criminals can operate here.
The Daily Mail report has put the spotlight firmly back on Tokeh, Freetown and the people who may be helping this man stay free while the rest of the world wants him behind bars.
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