Jamaica State of Emergency Over Christopher "Dudus" Coke, Alleged Drug Lord Wanted by U.S.

A demonstrator in support of Christopher "Dudus" Coke during a march in Kingston. (AP Photo/The Jamaica Gleaner, Ian Allen)

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CBS/AP) The government of Jamaica has declared a state of emergency in the capital of Kingston, as gangsters battle with police and security to defend alleged drug lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke, who is wanted in the United States. 

PICTURES: Kingston, Jamaica State of Emergency

Coke, a Jamaican "don" who is widely suspected of controlling gunmen in West Kingston's Tivoli Gardens, is facing possible extradition to the U.S. on drug and arms trafficking charges.

All day Sunday, masked men defending Coke traded fire with security forces in an area of barricaded slums. The area is considered the stronghold of a reputed drug lord. They have trashed cars and used barbed wire and sand bags to keep police away.

One police station was torched yesterday and another came under heavy fire from gangsters armed high-powered guns.

Authorities say two security officers were wounded. The U.S., Canada, and Britain have issued travel alerts for Jamaica.

  • Kealan Oliver


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