Reggae star Buju Banton appeals drug conviction

     Grammy-winning reggae star Buju Banton claims in an appeal of his federal drug conviction there was not enough evidence to prove he was involved in a cocaine conspiracy.

    The appeal filed Friday by attorney David O. Markus also says Banton was relentlessly pursued by a federal informant seeking a $50,000 government payday. Markus says that resulted in improper entrapment.

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is serving a 10-year prison sentence following his February conviction on cocaine conspiracy and trafficking charges. A related gun charge was tossed out by a judge.

   Banton is extremely popular in his native Jamaica and won a Grammy for his latest album shortly before his drug conviction.

   It will likely be months before the Atlanta-based 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals issues a decision.

Associated press