By Joe Turay
(– A Dutch fugitive suspected of leading a major European drug network has been linked to a US$19 million cocaine seizure at Liberia’s main international airport, according to a local media report, intensifying scrutiny over the country’s anti-narcotics enforcement.
Front Page Africa reported that Jos Leijdekkers, also known as Umar Sheriff, is believed to be connected to the shipment intercepted at Roberts International Airport. The report said the alleged trafficker had been making clandestine night-time visits to Liberia to coordinate cocaine shipments destined for Europe.
The seizure, one of the largest in Liberia’s history, has drawn international attention and raised questions about possible collusion within airport and security institutions.
President Joseph Boakai has pledged a thorough investigation, stating that “no person will be untouchable.” However, critics have expressed doubts about the independence of a government-led probe, citing alleged involvement of senior airport and security officials.
Liberia has in recent years emerged as a transit point for narcotics bound for Europe, as traffickers exploit weak enforcement systems and porous borders in West Africa.
In a sign of mounting international concern, law enforcement authorities from the Netherlands and Belgium are scheduled to meet senior Liberian police officials in Washington this weekend to discuss the case and broader cooperation. Both European countries have been actively pursuing Leijdekkers, who is wanted in connection with large-scale cocaine trafficking operations.
The Liberian government has yet to officially confirm the identity of those behind the seized shipment, and no formal charges have been announced.
The case underscores the growing challenge facing West African nations as global drug syndicates increasingly shift operations to the region, testing already strained security and judicial systems.
