Jamaican Police Raid Drug Lord's Stronghold
VOA News 25 May 2010
Jamaican police and soldiers have raided the stronghold of an alleged drug lord wanted by the United States, sparking new clashes with the suspect's supporters.
National Security Minister Dwight Nelson said several people were arrested late Monday after troops stormed Tivoli Gardens, the slum neighborhood in West Kingston where Christopher "Dudus" Coke is based. Nelson said security forces backed by helicopters took control of the area, but did not arrest Coke.
Authorities say two police officers have been killed since fighting began in the area Sunday, and a least one Jamaican soldier was killed in Monday's raid.
Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding is expected to address the country's House of Representatives Tuesday about the situation.
The Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency in sections of Kingston and nearby St. Andrew. Officials expect the emergency clampdown to last at least a month.
The United States has issued an arrest warrant for Coke for alleged cocaine and arms trafficking. The Jamaican government has called on Coke to surrender to face a U.S. judicial request seeking his extradition.
U.S. officials sent the extradition request for Coke to the Jamaican government nine months ago, but Prime Minister Golding refused to allow it to be processed, arguing that the evidence in it had been obtained illegally.
Mr. Golding responded to criticism last week by saying Coke should be arrested and brought to court for a hearing.
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 (the Shower Posse) with ties to the ruling Jamaica Labor Party.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
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