Buju Banton Arrested On Federal Cocaine Charges
Celebrated reggae star Buju Banton is being detained in a
federal Miami prison following his arrest last Thursday (December 10) on drug
charges.
Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, was booked with another unidentified man
after a surveillance camera caught them in the process of a drug transaction.
Authorities claim to have found the singer with 5 kilos of cocaine, and charged
him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute.
Banton was in the midst of completing a milestone 2009. The veteran deejay had
received a Grammy nomination for his ninth studio album Rasta Got Soul, and
finished a successful North American tour.
During the tour, Banton also attempted reconciliation with the gay community.
The singer had been at odds with the group since his popular 1992 “Boom Bye
Bye,” which endorsed violence against gay men.
After receiving years of protest, Banton finally conducted a sit-down with the
gay community this past October. According to reports, the meeting remained
civil and productive despite Banton’s refusal to renounce his past views.
If convicted of the pending drug charges, Buju Banton faces up to 20 years in
prison.
At press time, the Miami authorities are expected to release further case
details on Monday (December 14).
In : Entertainment