Petrelis Files

Buju Arrested by DEA Agents
on Drug Charges in Miami

The news a short while ago from the Miami Herald is not good for homo-hating Jamaica singer Buju Banton. I wonder if when us gay activists in San Francisco met with him and his management team in early October, if we were under the surveillance of the feds.

Nice to know that after we met with him, countless stories and blog posts appeared in the Jamaican press and on music web sites, saying the gays wouldn't forgive him and his hatred. Many of his concerts were canceled or clubs had to pay extra for security due to gay demonstrations. He and his management team still refuse to be interviewed about the SF gay meeting he had.

And now, he sits in a federal prison, awaiting arraignment. From the Miami Herald:

Buju Banton, the Jamaican reggae star whose anti-gay lyrics have drawn international criticism, is in a federal lockup in Miami, facing drug conspiracy charges.

Drug Enforcement Administration agents say Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, has been in custody since Thursday and will soon be transferred to Tampa, where the U.S. Attorney is charging him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute more than five kilos of cocaine.

Banton has homes both in Jamaica and Tamarac.

While legions of dancehall reggae enthusiasts view Banton as one of the most prolific voices of Jamaica's poor masses, critics say he's a gay basher whose lyrics incite violence by calling for attacking and torturing homosexuals. His song Boom Bye Bye, a dance-hall hit released in the 1990s, advocates shooting gays in the head and setting them on fire. [...]