A new video has surfaced showing convicted Dutch drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, also known as “Bolle Jos,” attending a lavish birthday party for a high-ranking Sierra Leonean official, further fueling concerns about his close ties to the country’s elite.

The footage, obtained by “Follow the Money” and the AD, shows Leijdekkers presenting a gift to Alusine Kanneh, the former Chief Immigration Officer, at his 50th birthday celebration in June 2024.

The extravagant event took place at LOR, an upscale restaurant in Freetown, and was attended by other prominent figures, including Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, the head of Sierra Leone’s narcotics squad.

This video adds to mounting evidence of Leijdekkers’ integration into Sierra Leonean society despite being wanted in Europe for his role in smuggling over seven tonnes of cocaine. He was sentenced in absentia to a total of 47 years in prison by the Netherlands and Belgium.

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The video shows Leijdekkers in high spirits, interacting comfortably with Kanneh and Kaikai. Sources confirm that Leijdekkers has been granted Sierra Leonean citizenship, raising questions about the government’s willingness to extradite him.

Previous reports revealed Leijdekkers’ connection to President Julius Maada Bio, including attending a New Year’s mass with the president and his family. Sources suggest Leijdekkers is in a relationship with the president’s daughter, Agnes Bio, a diplomat.

These close relationships raise concerns about potential protection and influence, hindering extradition efforts. Opposition figures allege that Leijdekkers has established a strong power base in Sierra Leone, utilizing infrastructure for drug trafficking operations.

Despite Dutch authorities’ efforts and a formal extradition request, Sierra Leonean authorities have not taken concrete steps to apprehend Leijdekkers. President Bio denies any knowledge of the drug trafficker, while the police claim to be cooperating but have been unsuccessful in their attempts to locate him.

The situation has drawn criticism from the Netherlands, with Justice Minister David van Weel emphasizing the need to prevent criminals from evading justice. The arrest of Dutch journalist Sophie van Leeuwen, who was investigating Leijdekkers’ presence in Sierra Leone, further highlights the complexities surrounding the case.

The Leijdekkers case raises serious questions about corruption and the influence of drug traffickers within Sierra Leone’s government. The international community is closely watching how Sierra Leone will respond to the extradition request and address the allegations of high-level complicity in harboring a convicted criminal.