NACOC Arrests Three Over Alleged Links To BOLLE JOS Drug Network

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three people suspected of representing or facilitating the activities of Dutch fugitive drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Bolle Jos.

NACOC said the arrests followed the seizure by French customs of a cocaine shipment allegedly linked to the wider criminal network associated with Leijdekkers.

The three suspects are currently in NACOC custody and are assisting investigators as the commission works to establish their alleged roles in the trafficking operation.

The commission did not identify the suspects or disclose details of the specific activities they are suspected of carrying out.

The arrests come days after French customs intercepted a multi-tonne cocaine shipment aboard a vessel travelling from Ghana towards Antwerp, Belgium. Reports from Dutch and Belgian media said investigators had information indicating that part of the consignment was linked to Leijdekkers’ organisation.

A report on the seizure said the vessel was searched at the port of Dunkirk after authorities received intelligence about the shipment. A Ghanaian origin for the cargo was also reported, although the available reports did not establish that the cocaine was loaded in Ghana.

Leijdekkers, one of Europe’s most wanted drug traffickers, has been convicted in absentia in the Netherlands and Belgium in cases involving cocaine trafficking. Dutch authorities have previously linked him to large-scale cocaine shipments into Europe.

NACOC said the latest arrests form part of its efforts to disrupt the people, finances and infrastructure supporting international drug trafficking.

The commission also stressed that Ghana would not be allowed to become a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations.

It said investigations would continue in collaboration with domestic and international law enforcement agencies.

NACOC said the rights and legal protections of the suspects would be respected as investigations proceed.