Drug kingpin, Christopher "Dudus" Coke of the Shower Posse gang, has become the new Tony Montana from the oft-glamorized iconic film, Scarface. The Jamaica gangster is wanted in the U.S. for drug and gun trafficking. It seems, however, that he's untouchable.

Last week, the Jamaican National Guard attempted to extradite Dudus, to no avail. His West Kingston neighbors coupled with his own gang rallied to fend off soldiers. The uprising has continued to escalate to the point where reportedly unaffiliated gang members from all over the island have traveled to Kingston to fight on Dudus' behalf. Sadly, some 30 people were killed in the clash yesterday. The total death toll is now at 49.

Although the news recently broke on CNN, Fox News and other major networks, most of us residing in Miami know that this catastrophe has been brewing for months, at a minimum. Take, for instance, the upcoming "Best of the Best" reggae/dancehall concert. A staple in Miami's Caribbean culture, this year's "Best of the Best" will be a mere remnant of what it once was. You see, in an effort to squeeze Dudus out of Jamaica, U.S. officials put pressure on the reggae industry by refusing to grant visas to many popular Caribbean artists. This tactic, however, failed.

The hunt for Dudus is getting bloodier. Alarmingly, Dudus maintains his grip on residents of the West Kingston slum area. They are celebrating and rallying around the drug lord. Many have held signs in protest; some picketers chant "Leave Dudus alone!" Those taking up arms for Dudus characterize him as a sort of "godfather" or "Robin Hood" who protects, feeds and guides the poor. According to CNN.com, "one placard seen at a barricade read: 'Jesus died for us. We will die for Dudus.'"

For starters, I realize that I'm not Jamaican and there's more to this tragedy than meets the eye. There are massive tensions on many levels, specifically class and nationality. Despite the fact that the Shower Posse is reportedly responsible for over 1,000 deaths in the U.S. and is one of the most violent cartels in America, many islanders believe that the U.S., with its notorious "Big Brother" reputation, has no business meddling in the island's affairs. Others argue that Dudus-in all his ills-has done more for the poor than Jamaica's own government. Others simply recall past extraditions like that of Manuel Noriega and are turned off by what they think is America's strong arm. 

Whatever your sentiments, I want to challenge you to remain Kingdom-minded as this issue unfolds. Dudus should neither be idolized nor demonized. He may be a drug lord, but he certainly is not the Lord of Lords. And he may be responsible for thousands of deaths, whether by drug overdoses, murders or more. Yet, Christ cherishes Dudus as much as He loves us. Salvation is an option for Dudus, just as it is for the rest of us.

Ana Guthrie is a super cool chick with a heart for God and love for youth culture. She doubles as a not-so-naughty librarian and instructor at Florida Memorial University in Miami, Florida.