Buju Banton sentenced to 10 years in prison on drug charges

Embattled reggae star Buju Banton has been sentenced to serve 10 years behind bars for allegedly planning a cocaine deal in 2009.

The Jamaican hit-maker was taken into custody two years ago after he was busted with two other men. The case originally went before a judge last year but ended in a mistrial after the jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict.


A second trial got underway in a Florida court in February and Banton was convicted on three counts - including conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, which carries a potential 15-year sentence.

Banton appealed for a shorter term earlier this month and the judge in the case received letters from several of Banton's 15 children, Jamaican officials and celebrities including actor Danny Glover, asking him for leniency.

However, on Thursday June 23, U.S. District Judge James S. Moody ordered the singer, real name Mark Myrie, to serve 10 years behind bars.

The judge did throw out a gun possession charge, lowering Banton's sentence from 15 years to 10. He was also ordered to serve five years of probation following his release from prison, according to the Associated Press.