The Sierra Leonean government has been contacted by the Netherlands over an extradition request for a drug lord.

Dutch Justice Minister wrote on X, that he spoke with his Sierra Leonean counterpart Alpha Sesay over the phone about a cocaine kingpin reportedly seeking refuge in the country.

David Van Weel in a statement stated that Jos Leijdekkers, is wanted internationally for serious crimes and there are strong indications that he is currently in Sierra Leone.

Recent reports including by Reuters, suggest that Leijdekkers, considered one of Europe’s most wanted fugitives, is enjoying high-level protection in the country.

Following that information, Freetown announced it would launch an investigation and cooperate with the Netherlands if there was an extradition request.

However, Dutch Justice Minister, Weel, didn’t provide additional details about the phone conversation with Alpha Sesay regarding the alleged presence of the drug lord or if an official extradition request has been submitted.

It is worth noting that no extradition treaty was signed between the Netherlands and Sierra Leone.