As he continues to battle drug conspiracy charges in the U.S., international dancehall/reggae artiste Buju Banton is a step closer to freedom, at least temporarily, as he was offered bail under expensive and strict conditions in Tampa, Florida today (October 14th 2010).

To make bail, Banton will have to post US$250,000 — secured by the equity in a friend’s house — undergo regular drug testing, wear an electronic monitor, be subject to house arrest (at his home in Tamarac, Florida) and be placed under 24-hour surveillance (costs to be paid by him). His bail conditions also specify that he can only leave his house for meetings with his attorney and for doctors’ appointments and to purchase medication. A pretrial services officer would also have to approve every trip ahead of time.

Note though, if Banton is able to post bail anytime soon, he will still need to have a hearing before an immigration judge in order to seek bond in that court as well (since he does not currently have legal visitor status in the U.S.).

Original article can be read here.