Freetown — Spanish authorities have made one of the largest cocaine seizures in maritime history, between 35 and 40 tonnes, from a vessel that departed directly from Sierra Leone’s capital, with investigations heavily focused on Dutch fugitive drug kingpin Jos Leijdekkers, better known as “Bolle Jos” or “Chubby Jos”.
The Comoros-flagged cargo ship *Arconian* left Freetown on 22 April 2026, officially bound for Benghazi, Libya. Spanish Guardia Civil officers intercepted it off Western Sahara, discovering the vessel “completely stuffed” with cocaine bales. The ship was escorted to Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, where 23 crew members, including several Dutch nationals, were arrested.
Strong Links to Bolle Jos
European investigators are actively probing whether this massive shipment was orchestrated by Jos Leijdekkers, the 34-year-old Dutch national widely regarded as one of Europe’s most notorious drug traffickers. Leijdekkers is believed to have been operating his criminal empire from Sierra Leone for years, using the country as a key base for large-scale cocaine trafficking.
Leijdekkers already faces multiple convictions in absentia:
– A 24-year prison sentence in the Netherlands.
– A record €96 million order to pay back criminal proceeds — the largest in Dutch history.
– A seven-year sentence in Belgium for cocaine importation.
He is described by Dutch and Belgian authorities as a major player in international cocaine networks moving drugs from South America through West Africa to Europe.
Alleged High-Level Connections in Sierra Leone
Reports from multiple international sources repeatedly link Leijdekkers to powerful local connections. He has been closely associated with Agnes Bio, daughter of President Julius Maada Bio. The two have been pictured together publicly, including at high-profile events, and there have been widespread reports of a relationship, engagement, and even a child together. These personal ties have raised serious questions about the protection and influence he may enjoy in the country.
Sierra Leone has no extradition treaty with the Netherlands, which has made it difficult for Dutch authorities to apprehend him despite years of investigations.
Leijdekkers’ lawyer has rejected any connection to the Arconian seizure as mere “rumours,” claiming his client is being blamed for every major drug crime in African waters.
Serious Questions for Sierra Leone
The fact that such an enormous quantity of cocaine was loaded onto a ship in Freetown has triggered deep concern among Sierra Leoneans. Many are now asking:
– How was this vessel able to operate from our ports?
– Were any local officials or individuals involved in facilitating the shipment?
– What does this mean for Sierra Leone’s reputation and future?
This case has once again highlighted fears that Sierra Leone risks being seen internationally as a safe haven or transit hub for powerful foreign drug lords. Such associations could harm the country’s image, trade relations, investment climate, and efforts to fight drug abuse at home.
The Sierra Leone government has not yet issued a detailed public response. Citizens and observers are calling for a transparent local investigation to establish exactly how the Arconian departed from Freetown and to address any possible local involvement.
Investigations by Spanish, Dutch, and other international agencies are ongoing, with the full network behind this record-breaking seizure still under scrutiny.
