Dancehall producer Countree Hype, whose real name is Taugea Ubert Dayes, has been sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in a U.S. federal prison after pleading guilty in a gun smuggling case.
The 33-year-old was sentenced on Wednesday in federal court in Miami, Florida.
On the charge of smuggling goods from the United States, Dayes received 70 months in prison. He was also sentenced to 60 months for delivering a firearm to a common carrier without written notification. The sentences will run concurrently, meaning he will serve both at the same time.
In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a US$200 special assessment and ordered three years of supervised release following his imprisonment. However, he is expected to face deportation proceedings and could be returned to Jamaica after completing his sentence.
Federal prosecutors had recommended a sentence of 70 to 75 months, while the defense requested 36 months. The charges carried a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.
Countree Hype is widely known in the dancehall industry, having worked with artists including Alkaline, Intence, Konshens, and Kraff.
According to U.S. prosecutors, surveillance footage captured the producer packaging and shipping firearms destined for Jamaica. Authorities say the investigation led to the seizure of 24 handguns, six rifles, 32 magazines, and 102 rounds of ammunition.
The presiding judge advised that Dayes has the right to appeal his sentence.
