THE CONNECT 860: 9/1/10

Buju Banton was seen shaking his head in court Wednesday after prosecution provided potentially damning evidence of the reggae star discussing drug deals and footage of him tasting cocaine.

As previously reported, Banton was arrested last December after police say he conspired to buy more than five kilograms of cocaine from an undercover police officer.

According to the Jamaica Observer, Banton, real name Mark Anthony Myrie, was comforted by his lawyer after hearing recordings of his conversations with government informant Alexander Johnson, discussing drug deals and even diamond smuggling from Africa to Europe.

The Observer reports that as tapes were being played, one woman could be seen clutching her head and covering her ears.

By contrast, others listened sat attentively to the conversation between Banton and Johnson, a convicted drug trafficker who has been working with the US Government since 1996 to sink other dealers.

Possibly the most damning evidence of all was a video from December 8. 2009 of Banton tasting cocaine from a knife given to him by his friend Ian Thomas after opening a box containing five kilograms of cocaine during a police sting.

Banton's cohorts Ian Thomas and another man, James Mack, have both agreed to testify against him.

If found guilty he faces life in prison or millions in fines.