European Fugitive Tracked at Religious Ceremony in Sierra Leone

Police authorities in Sierra Leone are on the lookout for a notorious Dutch drug trafficker, considered one of Europe's most-wanted, potentially hiding in West Africa.

Jos Leijdekkers, known by aliases "Omar Sheriff" and "Chubby Jos," was handed a 24-year sentence in absentia by a court in Rotterdam last year. His charges include orchestrating the shipment of seven tons of cocaine and authorizing a murder.

Suspicions regarding his presence in Sierra Leone were sparked when Fatima Bio, the nation's First Lady, shared images and a video on social networks. These depicted a man who bore a striking resemblance to Leijdekkers at a religious gathering, attended by President Julius Maada Bio.

Sierra Leone's Inspector General of Police, William Fayia Sellu, confirmed to the press that the individual in the imagery is believed to be Leijdekkers, also known as "Omar Sheriff."

Sellu announced, "We have initiated a rigorous police campaign to capture him. Despite visiting numerous sites, his whereabouts remain unknown."

Leijdekkers, 33, who is reportedly also referred to as 'Bolle Jos' ("Chubby Jos"), holds a prominent position on Europol's list of high-profile criminal suspects.

Per Europol, Leijdekkers is considered a significant figure in the realm of global cocaine trafficking.

There are ongoing investigations linking him to the mysterious case of Naima Jillal, who vanished in 2019 after being seen entering a car in Amsterdam. Communications intercepted by authorities have further implicated him in Jillal's disappearance.

Europol reported, "Naima Jillal was unaccounted for a lengthy period until disturbing images perceived to be of her were discovered on a mobile device as part of the Marengo investigation. These suggest she endured severe torture and is likely deceased."

Recently, Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin underscored the paramount importance of bringing the fugitive back to the Netherlands.

Europol has announced a reward of 200,000 euros (approximately $208,000) for any information that assists in Leijdekkers' arrest.

As noted by the BBC, West Africa operates as a pivotal corridor for smuggling cocaine originating from Latin America. Last month, authorities made headlines when seven suitcases suspected to contain cocaine were uncovered in a diplomatic vehicle.