THE brother of Dutch drug trafficker ‘Bolle Jos’ has been arrested in Turkey in connection with the continuing investigation into the 30-tonne cocaine shipment seized near the Canary Islands in one of Europe’s biggest anti-drugs operations.
Wilhelmus Adrianus Leijdekkers, also known as Harry Leijdekkers, 51, was arrested in Istanbul on Sunday, putting the family of fugitive Joseph Johannes Leijdekkers back in the spotlight.
Joseph Leijdekkers, better known as ‘Bolle Jos’ or ‘Jos El Gordito’ (Fat Jos), is one of Europe’s most wanted criminals.
The 34-year-old has long been linked to the Mocro Maffia, a violent Dutch-Moroccan crime group involved in cocaine trafficking across Europe.
Police believe both brothers have links to the cargo ship Arconian, which was stopped near the Canary Islands carrying 30 tonnes of cocaine.
The seizure was a major moment for the Spanish security forces, who are now working with investigators from several countries to find out who organised the shipment and how it was paid for.
Dutch media say Harry Leijdekkers was part of the financial and logistical support of the network of his fugitive brother, who has been linked to international cocaine trafficking, money laundering and violent organised crime.
The Leijdekkers network has also been connected to the Costa del Sol, especially Marbella and Puerto Banus, where police believe Dutch criminal gangs have been active for years.
Even though he has been on the run for years, Joseph Leijdekkers keeps receiving prison sentences across Europe.
Only days ago, a court in Belgium sentenced him to eight years in prison over an 11-tonne cocaine shipment hidden in palm flour heading to the port of Antwerp.
That latest sentence means he now faces a total of 81 years in prison in Belgium and the Netherlands.
READ MORE: Manhunt underway as drug gang opens fire on police before fleeing during Costa del Sol dawn raid
Police also believe he may be hiding in Sierra Leone, where reports say he could be receiving protection from people close to the country’s political power.
Although his brother’s arrest in Istanbul is another blow to his circle, the main objective remains to find the man who has been escaping from all European police forces for years.
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