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 allegedly 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).
