KINGSTON, Jamaica – POLICE confirmed that 27 persons, mostly civilians, have died so far in Kingston, as security forces continue their search for alleged drug lord Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke.
According to CNN, Jamaican authorities revealed that 26 of the dead were civilians and one was a member of the Jamaica Defence Force. Twenty-five civilians and six Defence Force members were injured as security forces battled gangsters in Tivoli Gardens.
The government said those killed were mostly males and their bodies were recovered from areas in the West Kingston district, while 211 people were detained.
It also stated that security forces had confiscated firearms, ammunition, binoculars, army fatigues and ballistic vests.
Minister of National Security Dwight Nelson said the district was almost fully under government control again, even though he admitted that 18 police stations across the capital were attacked.
Tuesday afternoon (May 25), police were still trying to regain control of Tivoli Gardens, where they believe Coke has been holed up since the Jamaican government announced they would fulfill a US extradition request.
A state of emergency has been in place in parts of Kingston since Friday (May 21) when several police stations were attacked and set on fire.
After months of denying the extradition request, Prime Minister Bruce Golding said earlier this week that he was prepared to hand over Coke to US authorities on drugs and weapons trafficking charges. He had previously claimed the US indictment relied on illegal wiretap evidence.
Supporters of the alleged drug lord immediately began barricading streets in the West Kingston district after a judge issued a warrant for Coke’s arrest.
The security operation began Monday (May 24) with thousands of heavily armed soldiers storming the barricades and going house to house in search of Coke.
Coke is revered by many in the Kingston slums, who say he has helped them with food and clothing, and has enabled their children to attend school.
However, the US Justice Department has classified Coke as one of the world’s most dangerous drug barons. He is also suspected of leading a gang known as the Shower Posse, which is responsible for numerous murders in Jamaica and the US.
Coke faces a life sentence if convicted of the charges.
Meanwhile, the commotion has caused several countries, including the US, UK and Australia, to issue travel advisories warning their citizens about travelling to Jamaica.
The road to Kingston’s Norman Manley International Airport was also closed for a period of time.
