News / Health & Wellness
Jamaican Drug Lord Captured
How does the arrest of Christopher "Dudus" Coke affect the fight against drugs here in the U.S. and why was the battle to catch him so bloody?
Jamaica is just the latest country making the news in the ongoing war on drugs, but the arrest of Christopher "Dudus" Coke late last month outside Kingston came at a price of more than 70 civilians. Innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire between police, military and those on the wrong side of the law, including rival gangs, during the five-week manhunt that eventually led to his arrest. Now, as residents try to get back to life as normal, authorities are making a plea for calm from Coke’s supporters.
Who is Coke?
Despite being classified as a dangerous drug lord by authorities, he is a hero to many in the Kingston slums thanks to charitable efforts that include feeding the hungry, building medical centers and sending poor local kids to school. This “Robin Hood” persona may be at least part of the reason Coke was so hard to catch. The U.S. attorney's office in New York insists he leads an international criminal syndicate known as the "Shower Posse."
In addition to charges in his native country, Coke is wanted in the U.S. for conspiracy to distribute marijuana and cocaine and for trafficking in firearms, charges made against him in 2009. Since his capture, he has agreed to surrender to U.S. authorities, reportedly preferring doing time in the U.S. rather than in a Jamaican prison.
Rival Gangs Increase Violence
Rival drug gangs were a big part of the reason the hunt for Coke turned so deadly. They used the confusion to eliminate their enemies and further ratchet up the violence, CNN.com reported. This type of violence has become a way of life in Mexico where the drug trade -- and the Mexican and U.S. governments’ crackdown – has resulted in nearly 23,000 drug-related deaths across that country since 2006, according to CNN. The global drug war has also created a massive illicit market with an estimated annual value of $320 billion.
Drug Addiction Treatment
If you or someone you love is battling an addiction, call La Paloma at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.
