Jamaican Capital Under State of Emergency as Gangs Fight Alleged Drug Lord's Arrest
VOA News
24 May 2010
Jamaican officials have ordered a state of emergency for two locations on the island nation, as police have clashed with armed gangs about the possible extradition of a drug-trafficking suspect to the United States.
Jamaica said Sunday the emergency clampdown will last for at least a month in Kingston and St. Andrew.
Authorities say gunmen attacked three police stations Sunday in Kingston and surrounding areas, including one the attackers set on fire. One police officer was wounded.
U.S. officials sent an extradition request for Christopher "Dudus" Coke to the Jamaican government nine months ago, but Prime Minister Bruce Golding had refused to allow it to be processed, arguing that the evidence in it had been obtained illegally.
However, amid growing criticism, Mr. Golding said last week Coke must be arrested and brought to court for an extradition hearing on charges of drug and gun trafficking.
The United States and Britain have issued travel advisories for Jamaica because of the threat of violence and unrest.
Coke is the alleged leader of a gang with ties to the ruling Jamaica Labor Party.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP.
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