Reggae star Buju Banton set to appear at Miami bail hearing on federal cocaine charge

Buju Banton set to appear at bail hearing in Miami

MIAMI — Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton is set to appear in Miami federal court.

A bail hearing is scheduled Wednesday morning for the 36-year-old singer, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie.

Banton and two others allegedly attempted to buy a large amount of cocaine from an undercover law enforcement officer in Sarasota last week. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration was tipped off by a confidential informant.

Banton has been in federal custody since Thursday in Miami pending transfer to Tampa, where the case is being prosecuted.

He faces a maximum of 20 years in prison if convicted of a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

Banton’s attorney says the singer “vigorously denies” the charges.