Accused Jamaican Gang Leader Pleads Not Guilty to Drug Charges

Appearing before a Manhattan federal court today, accused Jamaican gang leader Christopher Coke pleaded not guilty to running a drug ring.

Coke is facing charges that he conspired to flood the Eastern U.S. with marijuana and cocaine. Federal prosecutors say drug dealers in the U.S. regularly sent Coke "cash and goods, including guns, clothing and electronics as 'tribute' payments, in recognition of his leadership and assistance."

The alleged boss of the Shower Posse gang was brought to New York last night under tight security. He had been in hiding for weeks, after Jamaica's prime minister announced he would agree to a U.S. extradition request. His case sparked street violence in Kingston in which more than 76 people died.