Sierra Leone’s immigration chief Alusine Kanneh was fired after a video showed him receiving a gift from notorious drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers. Speculation exists about Leijdekkers’ ties to political figures, including President Bio and his family. A Rotterdam court sentenced Leijdekkers to 24 years in absentia, and Europol offers a reward for his capture. Sierra Leonean authorities have launched efforts to locate him but provided no recent updates.
Sierra Leone’s chief immigration officer, Alusine Kanneh, was dismissed from his position following the release of a video in which he is seen accepting a gift from Jos Leijdekkers, a known Dutch drug trafficker. The footage surfaced via the investigative outlet Follow the Money and depicts Kanneh engaging socially with Leijdekkers, who is believed to be residing in Sierra Leone.
The incident raises concerns about potential ties between drug lords and political figures, as prior images showed Leijdekkers alongside high-ranking officials, including President Julius Maada Bio and his daughter. The director of Sierra Leone’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, was also present during the event depicted in the video.
Leijdekkers, alias “Chubby Jos,” is regarded as a significant participant in the international cocaine trade, according to the European Union’s law enforcement agency, Europol. Speculations about his presence in Sierra Leone heightened when the First Lady posted images on social media that appeared to show him at a religious service with President Bio.
Opposition figure Mohamed Mansaray has voiced allegations against the current administration, suggesting they provide sanctuary for the fugitive, who is wanted by Europol. He claims that Leijdekkers has a relationship with Agnes Bio, the president’s daughter, as evidenced by social media images.
In June, a Rotterdam court sentenced Leijdekkers in absentia to 24 years for orchestrating a murder and managing the transportation of substantial cocaine shipments. Europol has pledged a 200,000-euro reward for information leading to his capture. In early February, Sierra Leone’s police initiated a search for him but have not released any further updates. The Dutch Justice Minister recently confirmed discussions regarding Leijdekkers’ status with his Sierra Leonean counterpart, emphasizing the urgency of addressing organized crime in the region.
The swift dismissal of Alusine Kanneh underscores the serious implications of political connections with organized crime in Sierra Leone. The ongoing situation regarding Jos Leijdekkers highlights broader issues of drug trafficking in West Africa, where regional authorities are urged to respond effectively to the challenge posed by such figures. The international community closely monitors developments, especially given Europol’s interest in apprehending Leijdekkers.
Original Source: punchng.com
