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On the second day of Buju Banton trial the court began airing the recordings between the artiste and confidential source Alexander Johnson.
Although the recordings could more hurt Buju Banton rather than benefit him, we can safely saw the reggae star is in high spirit.
In the recordings, Buju Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, could be heard asking Johnson about finding drug dealers whom he can purchase cocaine from. The two discussed aspects of drug dealings from the US, to Venezuela and Europe, including price of several kilos of cocaine.
In the recordings, Banton also ask Johnson, who said he is not a buyer but a transporter, if he could help with the transportation of diamonds from Africa to Europe, since the smuggling of diamonds was much cleaner. Banton could be heard complaining to Johnson that he found it hard to find people in the drug game to trust.
Johnson also gave some evidence in the court that he was introduce to Ian Thomas by Buju Banton on the day of the alleged drug deal December 8, 2009. Johnson and Thomas then made arrangements for a deal to be done. At the end Banton could be heard saying “done deal” to Johnson. Johnson said he interpreted that to mean that Banton had approved of the two doing the drug deal.
Buju Banton second trial began yesterday where DEA Agent Dan McCaffrey gave testimony and both prosecution and defense gave their opening statements.
Buju Banton is being tried for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine; attempted possession 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.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment.
