Jamaican police arrested alleged drug and weapons trafficker Christopher “Dudus” Coke in Kingston on Tuesday, and officials were calling for calm after attempts to capture Coke triggered violent demonstrations that killed 73, and led to the closing of businesses, schools and government offices in the capital city of Kingston. Due to the violence, the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert for Jamaica.

According to press reports, Coke was arrested without incident while he was en route to turn himself in at the U.S. Embassy in Kingston. Coke was sought after the government issued a warrant for his arrest and he faces extradition to the United States. Jamaica’s main tourist regions of Ocho Rios, Montego Bay and Negril did not experience disruptions during the Kingston violence, as tourists continued to arrive, stay in resorts and visit the cruise ports at Ocho Rios and Montego Bay.

Following the arrest, Jamaican Police Commissioner Owen Ellington said, “I would like to appeal to the family, friends and sympathizers of Christopher Coke to remain calm and to allow the law to take its course. I would also like to reassure the citizens of Jamaica that the situation remains normal, there is no need for alarm and they can get about their business in the usual way.”

The State Department Travel Alert, updated Monday, June 14, warned American travelers about “sporadic violence between government security forces and criminal gang elements in Kingston, Jamaica, and its surrounding areas.” The alert advised travelers to monitor local news and radio frequently when venturing from hotels in the Kingston area, to use the South Camp Road route and avoid the Mountain View Road airport route when traveling to or from Norman Manley International Airport, and to “exercise heightened security awareness and maintain a low profile.” The Travel Alert expired on Wednesday, June 23. For more information, call 888-407-4747 or visit www.travel.state.gov.

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