Sierra Leone’s immigration chief, Alusine Kanneh, was dismissed after being filmed accepting a gift from drug lord Jos Leijdekkers. Leijdekkers is a major drug trafficker hiding in Sierra Leone, raising concerns about ties to the political elite. Kanneh’s firing follows a video revealing his association with the drug baron and has prompted a manhunt for Leijdekkers.
Sierra Leone dismissed its chief immigration officer following the release of a video showing him accepting a present from notorious drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers. The video, published by the investigative outlet Follow the Money, captures Alusine Kanneh in a celebratory setting alongside Leijdekkers, who is reportedly hiding in Sierra Leone.
Notably, Leijdekkers, also known as “Chubby Jos,” has previously been photographed with high-ranking officials, including President Julius Maada Bio. This raises concerns regarding his alleged connections with the political elite in Sierra Leone, including direct links to the president’s family. Andrew Jaiah Kaikai, director of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, was also seen in the video.
The timing of Kanneh’s termination coincided with the video’s publication, although the government’s information minister, Chernor Bah, did not clarify the reason for his dismissal. He stated that the president held the ultimate authority to make such personnel decisions based on his discretion.
Leijdekkers, known for his significant role in the international cocaine trade, is wanted by Europol. Speculation concerning his presence in Sierra Leone intensified after the First Lady posted a video that seemingly portrayed him at a religious event where President Bio was also present. Opposition figure Mohamed Mansaray condemned the government for purportedly sheltering Leijdekkers.
A Rotterdam court recently sentenced Leijdekkers to 24 years in prison for orchestrating a murder and facilitating the transport of substantial quantities of cocaine. Europol has offered a reward for information leading to his capture, while Sierra Leonean police initiated a manhunt in February but have not issued recent updates on the situation.
Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel discussed the situation with his Sierra Leonean counterpart, Alpha Sesay, stressing the importance of bringing Leijdekkers to justice given the indications of his presence in Sierra Leone. The region continues to be a critical transit area for cocaine trafficking on its way to European markets.
In conclusion, the firing of Alusine Kanneh from his position as chief immigration officer reflects the Sierra Leonean government’s response to emerging allegations of connections with international drug trafficking. The presence of notorious drug trafficker Jos Leijdekkers in the country has raised serious concerns about the integrity of Sierra Leone’s political class. As law enforcement continues its efforts to apprehend Leijdekkers, the situation underscores the challenges posed by West Africa as a pivotal point in global cocaine trafficking.
Original Source: punchng.com
