Proclamation State of Public Emergency in Jamaica After Battle with Drug Lord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke


The Jamaican government has declared a state of emergency as sporadic violence continues in gritty West Kingston, considered the stronghold of a reputed drug lord.

Masked men torched a police station and have blocked shanty towns with wrecked cars and barbed wire.

Evacuation of citizens from their homes under the protection of security forces.

The U.S., Canada and Britain issued travel alerts Friday.

U.S. Justice Department: Coke is one the world’s most dangerous drug lords.

U.S authorities have been battling in Jamaican courts to extradite Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.

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, who is still on the loose.