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International Drug Trafficker Receives 8-Year Prison Sentence
Jos L., the notorious Dutch drug criminal known as 'Bolle Jos', has been sentenced in absentia to 8 years in prison by a Belgian court for his involvement in smuggling approximately 3,500 kilograms of cocaine through the port of Antwerp. The Dendermonde court also imposed a €24,000 fine on the 34-year-old fugitive.
Multi-Country Criminal Network
The case involves 17 defendants total, with sentences ranging from 5 years to 30 months imprisonment. One suspect was acquitted. The cocaine shipment was intercepted by police in 2020 at the Waaslandhaven port facility.
This conviction adds to L.'s extensive criminal record. Last year, a Dutch court sentenced him to 24 years for organizing six drug transports totaling nearly 7,000 kilograms of cocaine, a violent robbery in Finland, and ordering a murder. 'This individual represents one of the most significant drug trafficking threats in Europe,' stated a European law enforcement official familiar with the case.
Previous Convictions and Asset Forfeiture
In Belgium alone, L. has previously received sentences of 7 years for cocaine importation and 10 years for involvement in the assault of a port security guard in Antwerp. Additionally, a Dutch asset forfeiture case in July 2025 ordered L. to pay the state over €96 million.
Suspected Hideout in Sierra Leone
L. remains at large and is internationally wanted. Intelligence suggests he may be hiding in Sierra Leone, where video evidence emerged earlier this year showing him attending a New Year's Day church service in President Julius Maada Bio's hometown.
The footage shows L. sitting two rows behind the president, reportedly next to one of the president's daughters. However, President Bio has denied any acquaintance with the drug lord. 'I don't know who this person is,' the president stated when questioned about the video.
Political Connections Investigated
Further video evidence obtained by Follow the Money and AD shows L. celebrating at the 50th birthday party of Alusine Kanneh, head of Sierra Leone's immigration service. The footage, recorded in June 2024, shows L. presenting a gift to the senior official.
Netherlands has formally submitted an extradition request to Sierra Leonean authorities, but the process has yielded no results thus far. The case highlights the challenges of international cooperation in combating transnational drug trafficking networks.
Sources: Belgian Court Records, NOS Reporting
