Buju Banton Found Guilty in Cocaine Case

Despite a triumphant concert in Miami and a Grammy win within the last few months, Buju Banton's dark days are not behind him. After an initial trial on drug charges was declared a mistrial, Banton has been found guilty of conspiring to set up a Florida cocaine deal back in...

By Kyle Munzenrieder

February 22, 2011

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Despite a triumphant concert in Miami and a Grammy win within the last few months, Buju Banton's dark days are not behind him. After an initial trial on drug charges was declared a mistrial, Banton has been found guilty of conspiring to set up a Florida cocaine deal back in 2009.

Banton was arrested in December 2009 on charges that he tried to set up a cocaine deal in the Tampa area. Though, Banton maintained he was merely trying to impress the drug dealers because he thought they had record industry contracts.

Though, the prosecution had multiple video and audio recordings of meetings and phone calls in which Banton discussed the drug transaction. One video showed Banton tasting the cocaine to make sure it was pure.

Banton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and using the wires to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. He was acquitted on a fourth charge of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

Banton could face up to 20 years in jail.

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