BUJU BANTON VIGOROUSLY DENIES DRUG CHARGES

Buju Banton fans are hearing from him for the first time since his arrest on drug conspiracy charges on Thursday.

The Gargamel is this afternoon "vigorously denying "charges that he tried to buy a large amount of cocaine from an undercover police officer. The denial comes through his attorney Herbert E. Walker III.

In an e-mail to the associated press on Tuesday, (15/12/09) Walker said he looks forward to representing Buju Banton in court, but he would not discuss the case further.

A U.S. drug enforcement administration affidavit says Banton and two other men traveled to Sarasota last week to make the purchase.

The Jamaican reggae star is in federal custody in Miami.

Buju Banton faces a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

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Buju Banton’s family has rallied around showing support for the reggae entertainer who is current in federal custody in the United States.

The Myrie family speaks out for the first time since the arrest. Banton’s dad Benjamin Myrie, says he has not heard anything from his son since the incident and says the only information he has comes from the media.

Meanwhile Buju’s sister Adena Myrie who copped third place in the Digicel Rising Stars Competition, expresses that she loves her brother dearly and describes him as a phenomenal man. (CLIP)

Meanwhile, Music News sources in Florida say that despite the circumstances, Buju Banton is in high spirits. The entertainer was arrested at his home after a warrant was issued for his arrest.