Christopher 'Dudus' Coke: gangster who sparked 'civil war'

In the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, they are counting the cost of the 'civil war' sparked by the botched attempt to extradite gangster Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to the US.

So far, 980 people have been arrested, 73 dead... and still no Coke. In the bullet-pocked streets of Kingston, they are counting the cost of the "civil war" sparked by the botched attempt to extradite Christopher 'Dudus' Coke to America, reports The Sun. An uneasy calm has settled on the Jamaican capital, but the alleged drugs lord has disappeared, once again, without trace.

In Jamaica, feelings about Coke described by a former minister of national security as "the most powerful man on the island" run high. To US enforcers, he is a kingpin drug trafficker whose tentacles extend deep into the streets of US and European cities, says The Guardian. But many of his followers, vowing to lay down their lives to protect him, view him as some kind of messiah. Coke's lawyer maintains he is "just an ordinary Jamaican going about his business". Few believe that: Coke's alleged links with the Shower Posse gang (so-called because of its tactic of showering its enemies with bullets) are well-known. But whatever Coke gets up to is fine with his followers. "They regard all Jamaica's leaders as crooks and say that at least Coke looks after them."

Subscribe to MoneyWeek

Subscribe to MoneyWeek today and get your first six magazine issues absolutely FREE

Get 6 issues free
https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/flexiimages/mw70aro6gl1676370748.jpg

Sign up to Money Morning

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Don't miss the latest investment and personal finances news, market analysis, plus money-saving tips with our free twice-daily newsletter

Sign up
MoneyWeek

MoneyWeek is written by a team of experienced and award-winning journalists, plus expert columnists. As well as daily digital news and features, MoneyWeek also publishes a weekly magazine, covering investing and personal finance. From share tips, pensions, gold to practical investment tips - we provide a round-up to help you make money and keep it.