EU suspends aid to Sierra Leone over allegations of shielding Dutch drug trafficker

The European Commission has suspended financial aid to Sierra Leone over allegations it refuses to arrest and extradite Dutch cocaine trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel said on Thursday.

The decision involves the suspension of €18 million ($20 million) in payments that had been promised to Sierra Leone for this year.

Dutch authorities say Leijdekkers has been living in the west African nation since at least 2023.

Sierra Leone has previously denied becoming a safe haven for organised crime and said it was investigating media reports that Leijdekkers was in the country and receiving high-level protection.

‘Ready to cooperate’

In January 2025, the country's Information Ministry said its police were ready to work with the Dutch government, Interpol and other international law enforcement agencies on the case.

The ministry said the government had not received any formal communication from any state or institution regarding Leijdekkers.

Dutch authorities say another €22.5 million in funding promised for next year could also be suspended if Sierra Leone continues to "refuse to cooperate.”

Sierra Leone's government have not publicly commented on this latest development.

Leijdekkers, one of Europe's most wanted fugitives, was sentenced in absentia by a Dutch court to 24 years in prison for smuggling nearly 7,000 kg of cocaine and ordering a murder. He has also received prison sentences in Belgium in drug-related cases.