Reggae star Buju Banton will this month begin the second leg of his fight for his life in a US Federal court.

Buju Banton

Banton, whose real name is Mark Myrie, is now facing four charges instead of two that he faced in his previous trial. Yesterday Judge James Moody threw out a motion filed by Banton lawyers to fight the indictment put forward by prosecutor James Preston.

This is a major blow to Banton's upbeat legal team, as this increases the Prosecution's chances of a conviction. Buju Banton will now face charges of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, attempted possession with the intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug-trafficking offense and using the wires to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense.

The Grammy-nominated artiste's previous trial ended in a mistrial after the jury could not reach a verdict. Shortly after the first trial ended, the prosecution moved to secure the new indictment with two additional counts.

Buju Banton was fighting for his life since December 2009 when he was arrested in Miami following a sting operation by US Federal agents. Ian Thomas and James Mack who were arrested and charged in said operation pleaded guilty and are expected to testify in Banton's upcoming trial.

Buju Banton's new trial begins next week Monday, February 14.

Read more: Buju Banton Slapped With More Charges | Urban Islandz