Police: Reggae star Buju Banton attempted to buy cocaine from undercover officer in Florida

Police: Buju Banton negotiated Fla. cocaine deal

MIAMI — Federal authorities say Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton attempted to buy cocaine from an undercover officer in Florida.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in U.S. federal custody in Miami since Thursday. He faces a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

According to court documents, Banton and two others contacted a police informant last week about buying cocaine in Sarasota. Drug Enforcement Administration agents say Banton negotiated the purchase and was observed inspecting cocaine offered by the undercover officer.

The other men were arrested Thursday when they allegedly attempted to buy the drugs.

An e-mail to Banton’s independent record label was not immediately returned Monday.