Court date set for Christopher Coke

RJR News has learnt that the Court hearing for Christopher Dudus Coke will be at 10 am Thursday at a security facility.

It will not be at a regular courthouse because of security concerns.

Members of the Police High Command on Wednesday morning met with Director of Public Prosecutions Paula Llewellyn as arrangements are made for former fugitive Christopher Dudus Coke to get his day in court.

It is understood that an official from the United States Embassy was also involved in the meeting.

Mr. Coke was held Tuesday afternoon along the Mandela Highway in St. Catherine in the company of Reverend Al Miller.

Reports emerged Tuesday that Mr. Coke wants to waive his right to fight his extradition which would mean he would still have to appear before a magistrate to communicate his decision.

RJR News also understands that the senior cops also sought guidance on whether they could charge Mr. Coke arising from the Tivoli Gardens confrontation.

He had been on the run since the security forces entered Tivoli Gardens on May 23 in an attempt to serve him with an extradition warrant.

A $5 million reward was also placed on his head on Friday.

However, the police have not confirmed if that played a part in his capture.

Meanwhile the U.S. Attorney's Office in New York hailed the arrest after a five-week manhunt by Jamaica authorities.

U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York Preet Bharara said they were looking to working closely with the Jamaican authorities to bring Mr. Coke to face charges pending against him in Manhattan Federal Court.

Mr. Coke is wanted on charges that he trafficked cocaine and ganja as well as weapons between Jamaica and the United States.

He faces life in prison if convicted.

U.S. Drug Enforcement officials say he deserves to be classified as one of the world's most dangerous drug lords.

According to former Chief of Operations for the US Drug Enforcement Administration Michael Braun Mr. Coke heads an organization which has a global impact and also has a direct impact on the United States.

The U.S. attorney's office in New York charged Mr. Coke in August 2009.