‘Dudus: The Extradition of Jamaica’s #1 Drug Don’ – Part 1

As a self-confessed political animal, the machinations of the Government of Jamaica to delay and frustrate the extradition of Jamaica’s premier drug lord, Christopher ‘Dudus’ Coke, was political theatre. Extradition, normally a trivial procedural matter, became politically radioactive during the Dudus affair.

The Jamaican public was treated to the spectacle of the Government seemingly aiding a fugitive, a military–police incursion into Tivoli Gardens, involving mortar fire and armed resistance and, finally, the ignominious electoral defeat of the incumbent regime.

If the Dudus affair was not tragedy, it would be farce. It is unsurprising, therefore, that information surrounding the affair has been quick to dissipate from the public consciousness.

The records (transcripts and circulated documents) of the two commissions of enquiry have not hitherto been published.

This archival study is an attempt to place in an easily accessible format selected documents and highlight certain excerpts of the transcripts of exchanges in both commissions.

Over the next few weeks, The Sunday Gleaner will be publishing excerpts from attorney-at-law Dr Paul Ashley’s book ‘Dudus: The Extradition of Jamaica’s #1 Drug Don’.

See part I in today's print edition of The Sunday Gleaner or in the epaper.