KINGSTON, May (CMC) – Denying any involvement in drug smuggling, Jamaican dancehall performer Busy Signal told his fans on Saturday that he waived his right to an extradition trial here only so he could face a court in the United States on charges of skipping bail that date back to before he became an artiste.

“I have never admitted that I was involved in any drug deal or drug arrangement,” the artist said in a statement. “I waived my rights to an extradition trial here in Jamaica, so that I can return to the US to face a charge of absconding bail only. This incident took place ten years ago before I even considered becoming an artiste.”

Busy Signal, whose real name is Glendale Reanno Gordon, was detained on Monday on an extradition warrant as he arrived at the Norman Manley International Airport here on a flight from the United Kingdom after touring Holland and France. British authorities also held him whie en route suspecting that he was travelling on bogus travel documents.

US authorities say Gordon fled to Jamaica in 2002 before he could be sentenced on a cocaine conviction in October that year. He was out on bail pending the sentence and is suspected of removing an electronic monitoring ankle bracelet.

On Thursday, a Kingston magistrate denied bail but the deejay chose to surrender to US authorities next month after waiving his extradition rights.

But the VP Records artist said he would not be deterred by his legal troubles. “We not going down, ‘cause God alone controls my destiny,” he said. 

‘Busy’ also thanked his fans and admirers for his support through a “difficult situation” and promised several unreleased tracks to keep them ‘busy’ until his return.

“In this a time of reflection, I would like to thank my fans who have supported me through this difficult situation and who will continue to support me. Your messages and prayers via social networks and via members of my team are what have brought light to the darkness of my cell,” he said.

“As you can understand, this is a difficult time for me, however during my time away, my fans will not be left with a void – there are several unreleased tracks that will definitely keep you “busy” until my return.”

‘Busy’s latest album, “Reggae Music Again”, debuted at number five on the Billboard Reggae charts two months ago.

The artist said during his concert tour of Amsterdam and Paris, he shot part of the video to the album’s title track. “It features cameos from Marcia Griffiths, Queen Ifrica and Anthony B and that will be released in a couple of weeks,” he said.