Sierra Leone's information ministry said Sunday it was investigating media reports that European cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers is in the country and benefiting from high-level protection there.

The Netherlands and Sierra Leone are investigating reports that the Dutch cocaine kingpin Jos Leijdekkers is living in the West African nation. #EuropeNews

Dutch authorities say one of Europe's most-wanted fugitives has been living in Sierra Leone for about six months. Jos Leijdekkers, 33, was sentenced in absentia to 24 years in prison on 25 June last year by a Rotterdam court for smuggling more than seven tonnes of cocaine.

The Dutch Public Prosecution Service (OM) and police have confirmed that Jos Leijdekkers, one of the most wanted fugitives in the Netherlands, has been in Sierra Leone for more than six months. This announcement follows reports by AD and Follow the Money.