Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


Jamaican Capital Under Emergency After 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.

.