Jamaican Drug Lord Has Extradition Hearing Set for June 24

Coke police mug shot

By Alicia Cruz
The Black Urban Times

Reverend Al Miller turned himself in to Jamaican police Wednesday

Reverend Al Miller, the man who was in the company of alleged drug overlord Christopher "Dudus" Coke at the time of his capture in Jamaica has turned himself in to the Organized Crime Investigative Division in Kingston, Jamaica around 2:00 p.m. Wednesday.

On Tuesday, Police Commissioner Owen Ellington announced that the clergyman was wanted for questioning in relation to Coke and told media outlets he was surprised the Reverend had been released at all.

"From our standpoint, we believe that he needs to come in and speak with us because there are some questions that he needs to answer," Ellington said at an impromptu pres release Tuesday. The police department has not said whether Miller will be charged with aiding and abetting a wanted fugitive.

"We can only confirm that he (Miller) has turned himself in," Inspector Steve Brown, the head of the Constabulary Communications Network told the Jamaican Observer. "We are not prepared to say much more at this time."

Miller reportedly told police that he agreed to escort Coke, who the Reverend claims expressed fear for his personal safety, to the United States Embassy in Liguanea, Jamaica in order to turn himself over for extradition purposes, when the vehicle they were traveling in was stopped by Jamaican police during a road check.

Meanwhile, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn has set Coke's extradition hearing for Thursday, June 24 at the "secure confines" of the Mobile Reserve in order to avoid trouble that may arise from the "supporters" of the defendant, the Jamaican Observer reported.

Coke was transported by Jamaica Defence Force helicopter when officials transferred the original prison site Coke was initially being held at in order to avoid any interference from gang members or supporters of the prisoner.

Coke, who was reportedly wearing a wig when Jamaican police arrested him Tuesday, allegedly expressed his intention to waive his right to an extradition hearing, thus clearing the way for his immediate departure to the United States. U.S. investigators say they have nine co-conspirators who have cooperated and aided the government in building it's solid case against Coke, the alleged leader of the notorious Shower Posse.

Coke wearing wig at the time of his arrest

Once Coke officially waives his right to the extradition hearing, a Jamaican Magistrate will hand him over to
the United States Marshals, who will then put him on a plane to New York where he will stand trial on charges of trafficking guns and narcotics into the U.S. If convicted, Coke could face life in prison.

The Jamaican Observer reported that Coke's brother and sister, Leighton 'Livity' Coke and his sister Janet, are also being held for questioning at this time and their arrests were also facilitated by the Reverend Miller.

Coke supporters appear happy drug lord is safe

TIME LINE OF EVENTS LEADING UP TO COKE'S CAPTURE
April 14: Canadian newspaper blasts Prime Minister Bruce Golding over Coke extradition issue

April 15: Prime Minister Golding begins making efforts to stop U.S. extradition order for Coke's arrest.

April 19: Former national security minister Dudley Thompson speaks out against the Island nations support of Coke saying the matter is hurting Jamaica internationally.

May 3: Opposition Leaders blast Jamaican Justice minister and attorney general Dorothy Lightbourne for poor handling of Coke extradition matter.

May 11: Golding admits to stalling extradition and hiring law firm Manatt, Phelps & Phillips.

May 16: Golding refuses to resign his position

May 17: Jamaican officials issue warrant for Coke's arrest

May 18: During a televised speech, Golding apologizes for poor handling of Coke extradition matter.

May 19: Tivoli residents prepare for stand-off and war with police as they barricaded sections of West Kingston, including the downtown business district.

May 20: Hundreds march in support of Coke; some said they were willing to fight to the death for the drug lord.

May 23: Golding declares state of emergency after two police stations were set afire, four policemen shot and two were murdered during disorder.

May 24: Security police storm Tivoli Gardens neighborhood in search of Coke, one soldier is killed.

May 26: Additional unrest in Tivoli Gardens leads to deaths of civilians who clashed with police.

May 27: Another search for Coke leads to the controversial death of accountant Keith Clarke, killed by security police at his home in Kirkland Heights.

May 27: Journalists take tour of Tivoli Gardens after violent unrest.

May 28: In crackdown on street crimes, police urge reputed gang leaders to turn themselves in to police.

May 31: Bishop Herro Blair admits to meeting with Coke.

June 22: Coke, Reverend Al Miller taken into police custody at police roadblock.

June 22: Coke is transferred via helicopter to a more "secure" prison.

June 22: Two of Coke's sibling's are also in police custody for questioning. Their arrests were facilitated by Rev. Miller.

June 23: Rev. Miller, wanted for questioning, turns himself in to police.

June 23: Director of Public Prosecutions, Paula Llewellyn sets Coke's extradition hearing for June 24.


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