Jamaican ‘drug lord’ to face trial in the US

Christopher Coke, nicknamed ‘Dudus’, had been wanted on drug and gun-trafficking charges.  At least, 73 people had died during four days of violence when people and soldiers stormed the Tivoli Garden slum in Kingston in an attempt to capture him in May.

Coke, 42, was seized earlier this week on the outskirts of the capital, disguised in a curly-haired wig, apparently on his way to hand himself to the US Embassy.

After a brief court appearance, tight with security, Coke refused his right to trial in Jamaica and was put on a flight to New York, where he was indicted last year.  Sky news reports that if convicted, he faces life in prison and millions of dollars in fines.  It also reported that Reverend Al Miller, a preacher who was travelling with Coke when he was captured, has been charged with conflicting the course of justice and harbouring a fugitive.

In court, Coke was reported to say, “I deeply regret the unnecessary loss of life, both civilians and members of the security force.  Pray for me and God bless Jamaica.” 

In a statement, the US Justice Department said: "Coke arrived in the Southern District of New York to face charges of conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine and conspiracy to illegally traffic in firearms."

Coke commanded a private militia and was a strong supporter of the ruling Jamaica Labour Party.