MIAMI – International Reggae Superstar, Buju Banton will head to a Miami Federal Court on Wednesday, Dec. 16 for a bail hearing as he is charged with intent to distribute cocaine, five kilos or more,” said David Melenkevitz a DEA spokesperson.
Banton was being held at Miami’s downtown detention center pending transfer to Tampa, where the case is being prosecuted.
A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration affidavit says Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, traveled to Sarasota last week to make the purchase along with two others. The DEA was tipped off by a confidential informant who agreed to wear a recording device during the drug negotiation session.
According to the DEA affidavit, Banton contacted the confidential informant last Monday about a possible cocaine purchase.
Callers to a local Caribbean talk show, Open Mic with Winston Barnes on WAVS 1170AM radio called into the program to express concern for Buju as they are in shock and disbelief and feel that he is being set-up.
Buju Banton, is a Grammy nominee in the Best Reggae Album category, for his critically acclaimed Roots Reggae opus, Rasta Got Soul.
