Buju Banton Found Guilty

Grammy-winning Jamaican reggae singer Buju Banton was convicted on Tuesday of conspiring to set up a cocaine deal in 2009 after deliberating for 11 hours over two days, a verdict that stunned in disbelief his supporters in a crowded courtroom.

Banton testified that that the informant badgered him after they met on a trans-Atlantic flight in July 2009 from Madrid Spain and insisted that they meet to set up a cocaine purchase. He said he was so uninterested in the informant's proposals that after they met twice, Banton didn't return the man's phone calls for months.In one video, Banton could be seen tasting cocaine in a Sarasota warehouse on December 8, 2009  but was not present during the actual drug deal two days later that led two others to be arrested. Those two men later pleaded guilty.

Buju Banton was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offence and using a telephone to facilitate a drug trafficking offence and was acquitted of attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine.

The Grammy winning reggae artist for his album titled "Before the Dawn" was found guilty of three of four charges, and he could face at least in prison.

Banton stood emotionless as the verdict was being read. Afterwards, he hugged the members of his legal team.

"We love you," Banton's manager Traci McGregor shouted in court immediately after the verdict was read. The artiste similarly responded and told his supporters "Thank you."

An emotional Markus read a statement prepared by Banton after the guilty verdict.

"Our life and our destiny are sometimes pre-destined and no matter where this journey takes me, remember I fought the good fight," said the statement. "It was a great man that said 'my head is bloody but still unbowed'. I love you all. Thank you for your support. Keep loving God."

Banton is to be sentenced in another three months and faces 15 years to life behind bars, Markus said. The lawyer is expected to apply to have Banton's US$250,000 bail restored during the period leading up to the sentence.

"Its Not an Easy Road........"