The Netherlands talks with Sierra Leone on extradition requests for cocaine kingpin Leijdekkers

Speaking on the phone with his counterpart Alpha Sesay of Sierra Leone, Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel stated Thursday that he discussed the Dutch request for extradition of European cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers.

He is wanted on a global scale for grave offenses. Van Weel added in a post on X, “And there are strong indications that he is currently in Sierra Leone.”

Reuters said earlier this year that Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, had sought safety and high-level protection in Sierra Leone.

The Netherlands does not have an extradition treaty with Sierra Leone, although Sierra Leone has already stated that it is looking into the reports and would comply if there was a request for extradition.