(Jamaica Gleaner) The US Court of Appeal has dismissed Buju Banton’s request for a new trial.
Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie is serving a 10-year sentence on drug-related charges after he was arrested at his South Florida home in Decem-ber 2009 and charged with conspiracy to distribute five or more kilogrammes of cocaine.
His arrest followed a sting operation at a Drug Enforcement Agency-controlled warehouse in Tampa, which also resulted in the arrest of James Mack and Ian Thomas, who were attempting to purchase cocaine from undercover agents.
The US Appeals Court granted a request by Banton’s laywers to present oral arguments regarding his efforts to obtain a new trial last August.
However, in a ruling on Wednesday, the court said it does not have jurisdiction to hear the appeal.
Banton has maintained his innocence and says he was entrapped by the United States government and the lawyers are arguing that their client was entrapped by a paid informant, and that there is clear evidence of juror misconduct.