NACOC arrests three suspected ‘Bolle Jos’ operatives in Ghana 

The Narcotics Control Commission (NACOC) has arrested three suspects for allegedly representing and facilitating the activities of Dutch fugitive Jos Leijdekkers, popularly known as “Bolle Jos”, in Ghana.

The arrests follow the reported seizure by French customs of a cocaine shipment allegedly linked to a wider international drug-trafficking network.

In a statement issued on Monday, September 14, NACOC said the three suspects are currently in its custody and are assisting investigators to establish their alleged roles in the trafficking operation.

“The arrests reaffirm NACOC's resolve that Ghana will not be a safe haven, transit point or operational base for international drug-trafficking organisations,” the Commission said.

The Commission said investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the suspects’ involvement in the activities of the alleged network.

NACOC said it would continue to work with domestic and international law-enforcement agencies to disrupt the people, finances and infrastructure supporting the illicit drug trade.

“The Commission will continue working with domestic and international law-enforcement partners to disrupt the people, finances and infrastructure sustaining the illicit drug trade, while safeguarding the rights and legal protections of all persons under investigation,” it said.

This comes after French customs officers seized nearly 3.9 tonnes of cocaine at the northern port of Dunkirk on Thursday, September 10, after it arrived in a container of plastic waste from Ghana.

The cocaine, valued at about $260 million, was reportedly concealed in the container, with part of the shipment initially destined for Antwerp, Belgium.

The drugs have since been destroyed, while French prosecutors have opened an investigation into the shipment and the criminal network allegedly behind it.