Original version

BBC World Service Online

Assignment

Factual

Investigations and journeys into the heart of global events from BBC correspondents.

Assignment: Jamaica's 'Godfather'

News

27/05/2010

Jamaica's 'Godfather'

BBC World Service - Assignment, Jamaica's 'Godfather'

What's the appeal of Jamaica's alleged drugs lord - Michael Christopher Coke - or Dudus?

Nina Robinson investigates the power and appeal of Jamaica's alleged drugs lord  Christopher "Dudus" Coke.

In August 2009 the US government filed an extradition order on a Jamaican citizen - Christopher "Dudus" Coke -  to face charges of drug trafficking and gun running.  

Dudus is revered in the Tivoli Gardens district of the capital Kingston; inhabitants say he protects and provides for them in way the Jamaican government does not.

Now, Jamaican police say they have arrested suspected drug lord on the outskirts of Kingston.

The 41-year-old is accused of being the leader of the notorious Shower Posse, which US authorities say operates an international drug and gun smuggling network. It has also been blamed for numerous murders.

Mr Coke faces life in prison if convicted on charges filed against him in New York.

Before his arrest Nina Robinson travelled to Kingston for Assignment to find out why "Dudus" is so powerful – both within his community and within the government.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Assignment

Jamaica's 'Godfather'

Genres

Brand

BBC World Service Online

About BBC World Service