Reggae star Buju Banton, facing federal drug charge, waives bail hearing in Miami

Reggae star Buju Banton waives hearing in Miami

MIAMI — Jamaican reggae star Buju Banton will fight the drug charge against him in Tampa instead of Miami.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Anthony Myrie, waived his bail hearing Wednesday in Miami federal court. His case is being prosecuted in Tampa, where he will be transferred.

U.S. Magistrate Judge William Turnoff issued a temporary order of detention.

A U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration affidavit says Banton and two others tried to buy a large amount of cocaine from an undercover officer in Sarasota last week.

Banton has been in federal custody since Thursday. He is charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilograms of cocaine.

Banton’s attorney says the singer denies the charges.