Mark Anthony Marie, also known as the grammy nominated Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton with hit records Rasta Got Soul, Too Bad, Inna Heights, and more, has been arrested on charges of drug trafficking -- conspiracy to posses with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine -- and is being held in Miami, Florida, USA.
The report states that on December 8th, the reggae artist and an unidentified woman were taped at La Tropicana de Havana restaurant to meet with a secret informant and Ian Thomas (another individual charged and arrested). "Later at a police-controlled warehouse, Banton was handed a knife and instantly wiped the blade of the knife with his finger and placed that finger into his mouth in what appeared to be an attempt to taste the cocaine. After viewing the cocaine, Myrie and Thomas continue to negotiate with the [confidential source] for them to obtain multiple kilograms of cocaine."
Two days later, on December 10th, Ian Thomas and another individual were arrested at the same warehouse upon arriving with money to purchase about seven kilograms of cocaine. The reggae star was then subsequently arrested at his house in Tamarac, Florida.
Buju Banton in prison on drug, cocaine, trafficking charges
The report states that on December 8th, the reggae artist and an unidentified woman were taped at La Tropicana de Havana restaurant to meet with a secret informant and Ian Thomas (another individual charged and arrested). "Later at a police-controlled warehouse, Banton was handed a knife and instantly wiped the blade of the knife with his finger and placed that finger into his mouth in what appeared to be an attempt to taste the cocaine. After viewing the cocaine, Myrie and Thomas continue to negotiate with the [confidential source] for them to obtain multiple kilograms of cocaine."
Two days later, on December 10th, Ian Thomas and another individual were arrested at the same warehouse upon arriving with money to purchase about seven kilograms of cocaine. The reggae star was then subsequently arrested at his house in Tamarac, Florida.
The Miami Herald has the entire article here.