Buju Banton Held Without Bail on Drug Charges

A Tampa judge has ordered reggae singer Buju Banton (real name: Mark Myrie) held without bail on drug charges while his lawyer fights to remove a detainer placed on his client by immigration officials, according to The Tampa Tribune.

Appearing in court yesterday, Buju pleaded not guilty to federal charges that he conspired to buy cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota last month.

U.S. Magistrate Anthony Porcelli ordered the singer held without bail after defense attorney David Oscar Markus said he would not oppose the government's request that his client be detained.

He said Buju will fight the charges and will not enter into any plea deal with prosecutors.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, Buju contacted a confidential informant about a possible cocaine purchase. The next day, he and other men met with the informant at Sarasota's La Tropicana de Havana restaurant, where the DEA and local police had set up surveillance.

Eventually, the group went to a warehouse to make the cocaine deal, according to an affidavit. Authorities had outfitted the warehouse with audio and video recording devices.



source