The Netherlands has enlisted the support of Ghanaian authorities in its pursuit of Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, widely known as Bolle Jos, who is believed to be hiding in Sierra Leone under the protection of influential figures.
The Dutch Minister of Justice and Security, Mr David van Weel, is providing support to the Ghanaian police in the hope that local authorities can help cut off the fugitive's drug supply lines, according to reports by the Telegraaf newspaper in the Netherlands. The exact nature of the support is still being worked out, but it may involve deploying Dutch police officers to Ghana.
The strategy is aimed at dismantling the network surrounding Leijdekkers, who has been sentenced to over 80 years in prison in the Netherlands and Belgium for drug trafficking and related crimes. He is currently in Sierra Leone, where he is said to have close ties with the president and his family. He has reportedly channelled billions of dollars in drug money into the Sierra Leone economy.
Ghana's involvement in the hunt follows a significant drug seizure at the Port of Dunkirk in France in September 2026, when French customs officers intercepted nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine concealed in a container carrying recycled plastic waste from Ghana. The shipment had an estimated street value of about US$260 million.
- Related articles
- French customs seize $260 million of cocaine shipped from Ghana to Dunkirk
- 4 Ghanaians linked to €225 million cocaine shipment to France named and remanded in custody to reappear Oct 13
- Recall Parliament for extraordinary sitting over cocaine seizures – Habib Iddrisu leads petition
- French customs seize $260 million of cocaine shipped from Ghana to Dunkirk
Four Ghanaians have since been arraigned before the High Court in Accra in connection with the seizure, including Desmond Koranteng Curiel, described in reports as a suspected Ghana-based point man for Leijdekkers' network. They have all pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to export narcotic drugs and exportation of narcotic drugs.
Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission has stated that the country will not be a safe haven or transit point for international drug trafficking organisations.
The Netherlands has been trying for months to secure Leijdekkers' extradition from Sierra Leone, so far without success. The European Commission has suspended €18 million in budget support to Sierra Leone, and the Netherlands hopes a further €22.5 million in support for 2027 will also be blocked if the fugitive is not handed over.
The Dutch government is also working on European measures to freeze Leijdekkers' assets and restrict his movements, alongside enlisting the help of other African countries to increase regional pressure.
