Loser of the Week: Buju Banton

What began as good December for reggae giant Buju Banton with a Grammy nomination - will likely end in another catastrophe. The controversial star is currently behind bars in Miami – facing up to 20 years in prison. He faces a charge of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute over five kilograms of cocaine.

Banton’s arrest came last week after being busted by an undercover police officer. The DEA was allegedly tipped off by an informant who secretly recorded the reported narcotic negotiation. The informant claims that Banton contacted him/her about purchasing 11 pounds of cocaine. Banton, who they claim arrived at the meeting in his silver Land Rover with license plates that read Jah Cure, is said to have met the informant alongside 2 of his associates the next day at a Cuban restaurant in Sarasota, Florida.

Local police and the DEA set up a surveillance, tracking the subsequent alleged meetings that took place following their initial meeting. According to AP reports during the cocaine deal, “…an undercover police officer pulled out one brick of the 20-kilogram load, according to the DEA, and one of Banton's associate's sliced it open with a knife. Banton, according to the affidavit, "instantly wiped the blade of that knife with his finger and placed that finger in his mouth in what appeared to be an attempt to taste the cocaine."

Following the second meeting Banton and his said associates were arrested. A hearing is set for later this week.

Banton, whose legal name is Mark Anthony Myrie, is no stranger to controversy. His newest album, "Rasta Got Soul," for which he received a Grammy nomination- prompted the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation to launch a protest against him. The reggae artist’s career was stunted internationally in the 90’s after his songs like “Boom Bye Bye” drew an onslaught of protests –due to inflammatory homophobic lyrics which advocated attacking, burning, and shooting gay people.

There have been no reported comments from Banton’s camp following his arrest. Reggae artist Buju Banton is named Ocean Splash! Loser of the Week.