The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the activities of Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos”, the agency said.
The suspects are accused of representing and facilitating Leijdekkers’ activities in Ghana, according to a statement dated Sept. 14. NACOC said the arrests followed the reported seizure by French customs of a cocaine shipment allegedly connected to a wider network.
The three suspects are in NACOC custody and are assisting investigators as the commission examines their alleged roles in drug trafficking.
NACOC said the arrests form part of efforts to prevent Ghana from becoming a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations.
“The arrests reaffirm NACOC’s resolve that Ghana will not be a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations,” the commission said.
The agency said it will continue working with domestic and international law-enforcement partners to disrupt the people, finances and infrastructure supporting the illicit drug trade. NACOC also said it would safeguard the rights and legal protections of all persons under investigation.
Leijdekkers, who, according to reports, is the son-in-law of Sierra Leone’s president, was convicted in absentia in the Netherlands in 2024 and sentenced to 24 years for, among other offences, smuggling seven tonnes of cocaine. He also received a 10-year sentence in Belgium for drug-trafficking offences.
According to reports, he was filmed in Sierra Leone alongside President Julius Maada Bio and members of the president’s family, prompting a Dutch extradition request. Dutch authorities have continued pressing Sierra Leone to hand him over.
