Elusive Dutch Fugitive Linked to Cocaine Trade Resurfaces in Sierra Leone**

Jos Leijdekkers, a notorious figure in international cocaine trafficking, is confirmed to have been living in Sierra Leone for the past six months. Authorities are intensifying efforts to bring him back to the Netherlands following his 24-year prison sentence for smuggling drugs.**

Dutch police have confirmed that one of Europe's most wanted fugitives, Jos Leijdekkers, has been living in Sierra Leone for approximately six months. The 33-year-old was sentenced in absentia to a lengthy 24-year prison term on June 25 of last year by a Rotterdam court for his involvement in the smuggling of over seven tonnes of cocaine. Dutch prosecutor Wim de Bruin has emphasized that Leijdekkers' return to the Netherlands is of utmost importance, stating, "We are doing everything we can in that regard but we cannot comment any further because of the ongoing investigation."

Leijdekkers, who is also known by the alias "Bolle Jos," was previously believed to be hiding in Turkey before sightings linked him to Sierra Leone. Despite several reports, Sierra Leonean officials have yet to make any public statement regarding his presence. The fugitive first came to the attention of authorities when a video surfaced on social media in January, reportedly capturing him at a church service alongside the wife of the Sierra Leonean president. This footage has not been independently verified by the BBC.

Described as a pivotal figure in the international cocaine trade, Dutch police have escalated efforts to capture Leijdekkers, offering a reward of $210,000, the highest ever for a Dutch fugitive. He is noted on Europol's list of most-wanted criminals. West Africa has increasingly become a significant transit hub for cocaine trafficking from Latin America, raising alarms among law enforcement agencies in the region.

The situation took a complicated turn on January 17 when Sierra Leone recalled its ambassador from Guinea after a diplomatic vehicle was discovered containing seven suitcases filled with suspected cocaine. While the ambassador was not present in the vehicle, authorities are taking this incident seriously. Sierra Leone's Foreign Minister, Alhaji Musa Timothy Kabba, stated, "It has not been proven that the ambassador is involved in this trafficking," as the government seeks clarity on the recent developments.

As the quest for Leijdekkers intensifies, the implications of drug smuggling in Sierra Leone and the broader West African region remain a pressing concern for international law enforcement.