Dancehall reggae fixture Buju Banton,
embroiled in a longstanding drug case which ended in mistrial in 2010, was
earlier today sentenced to serve 10 years at the Sam M. Gibbons U.S. Courthouse
by Judge James T. Moody. Banton – real name Mark Myrie – will serve his time at
the FCI prison facility in Miami where the singer first incurred his cocaine
charges in 2009.

The Grammy-award winning and internationally known reggae star was convicted
this past February of conspiracy charges relating to organizing a drug deal
in a warehouse monitored by police officials. After the 2010 mistrial, federal
prosecutors pressed the case based on video evidence which showed Banton
sampling the illegal wares and discussing price details regarding the heavy
amounts of cocaine being transferred.

Although many in the entertainment community vouched for Buju, including
actor Danny Glover, reggae artist Stephen Marley, their vocal and written
support of Banton was not enough to stay the judge’s hand. Banton was given the
mildest sentence possible according to the law and a firearm possession charge
was also dropped. Banton’s attorney, David Markus, has said he will file for
appeal on behalf of his client and said he will fight for Banton’s release.
Reports state that Banton smiled as his sentence was handed down.

The 37-year old Banton has been recording professionally since 1992 and just
a day before his trail in February, the hit-making star won his first Grammy for
Best Reggae Album of 2011 for his 2010 LP Before The Dawn. Banton also
released a new single last week to the masses titled “Don’t Worry” as well.
Making a switch to the Rastafarian faith marked by his 1995 album Til
Shiloh, Banton’s music had matured from his earlier bombastic dancehall
fare and took on a more serious approach.