Deadly Gunfight in Dutch Village Linked to Notorious Drug Lord Results in 34 Arrests

Dutch authorities have apprehended 34 individuals, among them French, Belgian, and Algerian nationals, after a fatal pre‑dawn shootout in the village of Overasselt. The incident is believed to be connected to a high‑profile drug lord.

Police advised residents of Overasselt, a village close to the German border, to remain indoors with doors and windows sealed while they searched for any remaining suspects.

Around 4 a.m. on Tuesday, a heavily armed group of men wearing balaclavas approached a residence in Overasselt. Shots were exchanged, resulting in the death of a 51‑year‑old man who police identified as a security guard.

Officers who arrived at the scene came under immediate fire; two sustained minor, non‑life‑threatening injuries, according to police spokesperson Jolanda Aalbers. Authorities seized several weapons, data storage devices, and vehicles.

Local media reported that the shootout was likely linked to the criminal network of Dutch drug lord Jos Leijdekkers, alias “Bolle Jos” (Fat Jos).

Leijdekkers is among the Netherlands’ most wanted criminals and has a prior conviction for involvement in international cocaine trafficking.

He has resided in Sierra Leone for at least three years and is reportedly dating the daughter of President Julius Maada Bio.

According to the newspaper Het Parool, the gunfight stemmed from a dispute over several hundred kilograms of cocaine believed to be trafficked by Leijdekkers’ gang.

Deputy Chief Prosecutor Monique Vinkesteijn said there had been a previous shooting at the same house a year earlier, linked to a “longstanding conflict.” She declined to provide further details, noting that the investigation is still ongoing.

“The group currently in custody is international in nature,” Vinkesteijn said. “It includes French and Belgian nationals, individuals from Algeria, and Dutch nationals.”

The prosecutor stated that the suspects face a range of charges, including murder, manslaughter, and preparation of kidnapping, and warned that additional arrests may follow.

Mayor Joerie Minses said the entire community was devastated by the violence. “What transpired in Overasselt defies any acceptable norm. This level of extreme violence is utterly unacceptable for our community,” he added.

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