The Netherlands is seeking Ghana's support to disrupt the drug supply network of fugitive Dutch trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, widely known as Bolle Jos, MyJoyOnline reports, citing the Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf.
Dutch Minister of Justice and Security David van Weel is backing efforts to involve Ghanaian authorities, with the aim of cutting off supply lines linked to Leijdekkers' network. The exact form of the support is still being worked out, but it could include deploying Dutch police officers to Ghana. NL Times reports that the Dutch government hopes to have Leijdekkers in custody within a year.
Leijdekkers has been sentenced to more than 80 years in prison in the Netherlands and Belgium for drug trafficking and related offences. He is believed to be in Sierra Leone, where reports say he has links to influential figures, including the president's family.
The renewed effort follows the interception of nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine by French customs officers at the Port of Dunkirk in September 2026. MyJoyOnline reports that the cocaine was hidden in a container of recycled plastic waste from Ghana and had an estimated street value of about US$260 million.
Four Ghanaians have since been arraigned before the High Court in Accra in connection with the seizure. They have pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to export narcotic drugs and exportation of narcotic drugs.
Ghana's Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has said the country will not serve as a safe haven or transit point for international drug trafficking organisations.
The Netherlands has been seeking Leijdekkers' extradition from Sierra Leone for months without success. The European Commission has suspended €18 million in budget support to Sierra Leone, and the Netherlands hopes a further €22.5 million earmarked for 2027 will be blocked if he is not handed over. NL Times notes that the Commission says the aid was halted over administrative errors, not to secure the extradition.
The Dutch government is also pursuing European measures to freeze Leijdekkers' assets and restrict his movements, and is seeking cooperation from other African countries.
Sources: MyJoyOnline, NL Times, Ghana Guardian
Update (04:40 GMT): Chale News also reported on this story under the headline "Dutch Police May Join Ghana Manhunt for Fugitive Drug Lord 'Bolle Jos'". Read the Chale News report.