Christopher "Dudus" Coke Surrenders after Month in Hiding; Jamaican Wanted by U.S. for Drug, Weapons Charges

KINGSTON, Jamaica (CBS/AP) After weeks of being hunted by Jamaican security forces Christopher "Dudus" Coke was captured at a highway checkpoint after a popular preacher convinced the reputed drug lord to turn himself in.

PICTURES: Kingston, Jamaica State of Emergency

Coke has reportedly been on the run since the U.S. issued a warrant for his arrest May 18 in connection with drug trafficking and gunrunning charges.

The ensuing hunt for him by Jamaican officials, including a major offensive on a Kingston slum where they believed Coke was hiding, claimed 76 lives. It also prompted Jamaican officials to declare a state of emergency.

According to the Rev. Al Miller, an influential evangelical preacher who facilitated the surrender of Coke's brother earlier this month, Coke consulted with him about his desire to surrender.

"I therefore made arrangements with his lawyers because he wanted to go ahead with the extradition process," Miller said. "So we communicated with the U.S. Embassy because that's where he would feel more comfortable."

Coke's convoy was intercepted on the way to the embassy and he was taken into custody by Jamaican police.

PICTURES: Kingston, Jamaica State of Emergency

Police Commissioner Owen Ellington issued a plea Tuesday to Coke's many supporters asking them to be calm and give the justice system a chance to work, assuring the public that every effort was being made to ensure Coke's safety while in custody.

Many poor Jamaicans see Coke as a hero who, like many "dons," provided a semblance of protection and a form of law and order that the government has not been able to achieve. Coke has also acted as a sort of "Robin Hood" in that he provides much needed education and small jobs.

Jamaica's slum dwellers typically have a deep distrust of the police, who are often seen as agents of the country's elite.

Coke is expected to make his first court appearance within 48 hours, Information Minister Daryl Vaz said Wednesday. He said authorities have not confirmed a report that Coke does not want to fight extradition to the United States.

MORE ON CRIMESIDER:May 26, 2010 - Jamaica Death Toll Near 50 in Street-Fighting Over Alleged Drug Lord Christopher "Dudus" Coke, Sought By U.S.
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May 24, 2010 - Jamaica State of Emergency Over Christopher "Dudus" Coke, Alleged Drug Lord Wanted by U.S.