The case of Christopher 'Dudus' Coke raises questions about Jamaican politics and society and has implications across America. He is the alleged drug baron who was arrested two days ago and extradited overnight to the US to face charges of drug distribution and gun-running.
Attempts by the government to arrest him last month led to more than 70 people being killed. Chris McGreal saw the operation and the way the army and police swept into Coke's stronghold of Tivoli Gardens in West Kingston. He explains how Coke provided welfare and protection to the impoverished people of the area, which is why they supported him against the government.
Ross Sheil in Kingston and Jamaican human rights lawyer Philip Dayle describe the links between politicians and criminal strongmen on the island. They exchange protection for political support.
Latin America correspondent Rory Carroll puts the issues into a wider context. He says that Jamaica is important to the cocaine trade as a transport hub to the US and Europe. He warns that until the demand for drugs ends, there will be many more drug barons. He has no doubt that a successor to Coke is already being found.
