Spanish authorities intercepted the cargo ship Arconian off the coast of the Canary Islands in early May. The ship was en route from Sierra Leone to Libya. On board, more than 30,000 kilos of cocaine were found.
During the operation, 23 people were arrested. Among them were heavily armed Dutch suspects who were guarding the cargo. The intercepted cocaine had an estimated street value of hundreds of millions of euros.
International drug enforcement agents are investigating whether there are links between the drug shipment and the network of the Dutch drug criminal nicknamed Bolle Jos, a reference to his large physical stature.
Promotion
Reward
He is considered one of the most wanted European drug dealers. Dutch law enforcement agencies have offered a reward of 200,000 euros for information leading to his arrest.
The fugitive Dutchman has been residing for some time in Sierra Leone. Earlier, photographic footage appeared showing him seemingly present at a church service and official gatherings in the country. Dutch authorities say they are convinced that he is in hiding there.
Extradition
Extradition to the Netherlands has so far not occurred. Sierra Leone does not have an extradition treaty with the Netherlands. Multiple media report that Leijdekkers has a relationship with the daughter of the country’s president and with people around the country’s political leadership. The Netherlands has formally requested extradition.
While Leijdekkers himself remains out of the hands of justice, criminal cases against his family members are ongoing in the Netherlands. The Public Prosecution Service suspects his father, mother, and sister of money laundering. The suspicions arose after searches of family homes and an office in January 2023.
‘that watch’
During those raids, luxury watches, jewelry, expensive handbags, and large amounts of cash were found. Seven months in prison have been demanded against Leijdekkers’ father. According to the prosecution, he profited from the proceeds of his son’s drug trafficking.
Central to the case against the father is a rose gold Patek Philippe watch valued at 110,000 euros. According to the prosecution, he received the watch as a gift from his son. The father denies knowing that ‘that watch’ was purchased with criminal money.
Mother
The criminal case against the mother and sister was recently provisionally postponed. According to reports, the mother’s lawyer withdrew after she indicated she wanted to make known statements. Nothing has been disclosed about the content of those possible statements.