Reggae star Buju Banton arrested in Florida on drug charge

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MIAMI (AP) — Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton is facing a drug charge in Florida.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in U.S. federal custody in Miami since Thursday.

Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman David Melenkevitz said Sunday that Banton was arrested on a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms (11 pounds) of cocaine. The charge stems from a DEA case in Tampa.

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

Banton’s ninth album, “Rasta Got Soul,” is nominated for a Grammy for best reggae album. The Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation launched an online petition protesting the nomination, saying some of Banton’s earlier lyrics have advocated violence against gay and transgender people.

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