By Amin Kef (Ranger)

A new investigation by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has alleged that one of Europe's most wanted fugitives, Dutch drug trafficker Joseph "Jos" Leijdekkers, was behind a massive cocaine shipment intercepted by Spanish authorities in what has been described as one of the largest drug busts in international history.

According to the OCCRP report published on June 5, 2026, Spanish law enforcement officials believe Joseph "Jos" Leijdekkers masterminded the movement of more than 30 tons of cocaine that was seized aboard the cargo vessel Arconian in international waters off the West African coast on May 1.

The operation, led by Spain's Civil Guard, resulted in the arrest of 23 suspects, including Dutch, Surinamese and Philippine nationals. Authorities estimated the value of the seized narcotics at more than US$954 million.

Spanish Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska reportedly described the seizure as "one of the biggest, not only nationally but internationally."

According to Spanish investigators cited by OCCRP, the Arconian departed from Freetown before its interception. Lieutenant Colonel Oscar Remacha, Head of the Civil Guard's anti-drug trafficking department, alleged that Joseph "Jos" Leijdekkers had stored the cocaine in Sierra Leone and coordinated its transportation.

"He is the one who allegedly set up the operation," Oscar Remacha told OCCRP, claiming that the fugitive organized both the shipment and the supply of the narcotics.

However, the Spanish court documents referenced in the report do not list Joseph "Jos" Leijdekkers among those formally charged in connection with the case. His lawyer reportedly declined to comment on the allegations.

Joseph "Jos" Leijdekkers remains one of the European Union's most wanted fugitives. Dutch authorities are offering a reward of 200,000 Euros for information leading to his arrest. A court in the Netherlands sentenced him in absentia in 2024 to 24 years in prison on charges including drug trafficking, armed robbery and ordering murder.

The OCCRP report noted that Dutch authorities have faced difficulties securing his extradition from Sierra Leone, where international media reports have alleged that he maintains influential connections. Dutch Police also reportedly carried out searches at the residences of four crew members linked to the intercepted vessel.

The revelations have reignited concerns over Sierra Leone's vulnerability to international drug trafficking networks. The report states that the seizure has intensified political debate within the country, particularly following an open letter from Opposition Leader Abdul Kargbo to President Julius Maada Bio, calling for greater transparency and stronger Government action regarding allegations that Sierra Leone is being used as a transit point for cocaine trafficking.

Abdul Kargbo reportedly expressed concern over what he described as the Government's prolonged silence on the matter and specifically referenced the alleged continued presence of Joseph "Jos" Leijdekkers in the country.

According to OCCRP, Spanish investigators believe the cargo ship was intended to transfer the cocaine to high-speed boats in international waters before the drugs were smuggled into Spain. Authorities say criminal organizations have increasingly adopted that strategy to avoid inspections at major ports.

Lieutenant Colonel Remacha said Spanish investigators, working alongside Dutch and United States law enforcement agencies, tracked the vessel after receiving intelligence about a major impending shipment.

He further alleged that Joseph "Jos" Leijdekkers' organization had likely employed similar methods in previous trafficking operations and believed the route from Sierra Leone offered minimal risk of interception.

At the time of the report's publication, OCCRP stated that the Sierra Leone Police and the Ministry of Internal Affairs had not responded to requests for comment. The report also acknowledged that the Government of Sierra Leone had earlier announced 52 convictions related to drug trafficking and organized crime, describing such activities as a serious threat to national security.

The allegations contained in the OCCRP investigation have once again placed Sierra Leone under international scrutiny, while highlighting the broader challenges facing West African nations in combating transnational organized crime and illicit drug trafficking. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/opposition-leader-raises-red-flag-over-sierra-leones-growing-drug-trafficking-reputation/