According to a report in the Tampa Bay online, the informant who helped federal agents build a drug case against deejay Buju Banton pestered the artiste for months to join him in a cocaine deal.


It was revealed in court yesterday that the informant has been paid $3.3 million by law enforcement to assist them in numerous cases over several years.


However, despite receiving some details about the informant, Buju’s attorney, David Oscar Markus told US Magistrata Thomas Wilson that prosecutors have not provided enough information about the informant for him to be prepared to cross-examine him at Myrie's trial, scheduled for April 19.


Marcus also asked for a list of the amounts of money the informant was paid in each case. Marcus said he thinks the amount has escalated over the years.


Assistant US Attorney James Preston said he has complied with court requirements and turned over all information that might help the defense. Providing details on every case the informant has worked could put the informant in danger, Preston said.


Although Wilson said Marcus wasn't necessarily entitled to more information, the judge ordered the prosecution to give the defense any communications by law enforcement or prosecutors asking for beneficial treatment in the informant's tax case and immigration file. Wilson also ordered the prosecutor to give the defense a list of cases in which the informant has testified for the prosecution.