(Refiles to fix typo ‘an extradition request’ in first paragraph)
THE HAGUE (Reuters) -The Netherlands has sent an extradition request to the authorities of Sierra Leone for convicted drug criminal Jos Leijdekkers, Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel said on his X account on Thursday.
“I hope for swift action from the authorities of Sierra Leone and to find them on our side in this fight against international organized crime,” van Weel said.
One of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, cocaine smuggler Jos Leijdekkers, has found refuge and high-level protection in Sierra Leone, according to three sources with direct knowledge of the matter as well as photos and video footage seen by Reuters.
Sierra Leone’s information ministry said late last month that it was investigating media reports that Leijdekkers is in the country and benefiting from high-level protection there.
(Reporting by Stephanie Van Den Berg, writing by GV De Clercq; editing by Benoit Van Overstraeten)
