The Police High Command in Jamaica is this afternoon warning persons to avoid the West Kingston communities of Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town.

Tivoli Gardens is the reported home of Christopher Dudus Coke, who is to be extradited to the US on drug and firearm charges.

The extradition order and arrest warrant for Dudus were signed yesterday.

The police say they are aware that since Monday criminal elements have blocked the entry points leading into the two communities.

They are also confirming that this morning a Jamaica Defence Force (JDF) armoured personnel carrier was shot-up while travelling in Denham Town.

The police say the barricades have been reinforced by barbed wire, attached to high voltage Jamaica Public Service (JPS) electricity distribution lines.

They have also observed that liquid petroleum gas cylinders have been inserted into the barricades and that law abiding citizens are being prevented from leaving Tivoli Gardens.

The residents have also had their cellular phones confiscated by criminals.

The police are appealing to all law abiding residents of the affected communities, Tivoli Gardens and Denham Town, to contact them if they need help.

They are also appealing to the residents to report any acts of criminality. They seek to assure them that they have nothing to fear from the presence of the security
forces.
The police say they intend to conduct their operations in a professional manner in accordance with the law and in the interest of all concerned.

The Police are again appealing for persons to Call Police Control at 119 or Senior Duty Officers at 978-6462 and 927-7778, to report any concerns or any information coming to their attention.