Gambiaj.com – (FREETOWN) – Sierra Leonean authorities have intensified their search for Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Omar Sheriff, following the release of a controversial photograph showing him alongside members of the presidential family. Leijdekkers, believed to have been in the country for the past six months, remains elusive despite ongoing police efforts.

Information Minister Chernor Bah, addressing the media on Tuesday, February 4, confirmed that law enforcement has conducted multiple raids and searches in locations where the suspect was reportedly seen. “Despite our exhaustive investigations, he remains at large. However, we are resolute in ensuring that Sierra Leone does not become a hub for transnational crime, including drug trafficking and smuggling,” Bah stated.

The minister also urged the international community to assist in bolstering border security and dismantling organized crime networks. “Stronger collaboration with foreign partners is crucial to prevent Sierra Leone from being unknowingly exploited as a platform for illicit activities,” he added.

Diplomatic Cocaine Smuggling Case Adds to Security Concerns

On the same day, Inspector General of Police William Fayia Selu provided updates on a separate case involving a diplomatic vehicle intercepted in Guinea in mid-January, allegedly carrying 13 kilograms of cocaine. The incident has placed Freetown in a diplomatic quandary, straining relations with neighboring Conakry.

Selu announced that a team of Sierra Leonean investigators would travel to Guinea to interrogate suspects linked to the smuggling operation. “We seek full transparency from Guinean authorities, who have been reticent on the matter. Our Foreign Minister is currently in Guinea to facilitate access to detained individuals, particularly those from Liberia and Guinea, and to ensure adherence to diplomatic protocols,” he said.

The police chief also underscored the importance of determining the origins of the intercepted vehicle and whether it had breached Sierra Leone’s borders before its seizure. “Our goal is to uncover the full facts and assess the risk of border infiltration,” he noted, expressing hope that the foreign minister’s return would provide clarity and a comprehensive report on the case.

These developments underscore Sierra Leone’s deepening challenges in combating drug trafficking and cross-border crime, as authorities strive to maintain national security and international credibility.