Reports out of New York indicate that the reggae community in that North American city is reacting with shock to the arrest of artiste Denroy Morgan on drug charges.

For many, Morgan's arrest on Wednesday comes too quickly following the much-publicised case involving deejay Buju Banton who is currently serving time in a US prison.

MORGAN... detectives noticed a strong odour of marijuana coming from a car they stopped on Wednesday afternoon.

According to police reports detectives noticed a strong odour of marijuana coming from a car they stopped on Wednesday afternoon which was reportedly being driven by the 66-year-old Morgan. Police say there were two bags containing about 25 pounds of marijuana in the trunk.

But that wasn't all. Further investigation led to a house nearby on Taylor Avenue. Police arrested a man seen leaving the house. They say 46-year-old Wayne Swavy of Mount Vernon, New York had 16 pounds of the weed in his car.

But the big find was inside the house. Police say they found 300 pounds of marijuana there, which could be worth anywhere from $120,000 to $300,000 depending on quality.

Morgan's defence attorney information wasn't immediately available for comment.

Denroy Morgan is the patriarch of the Morgan family which has spawned the hit-making sibling reggae band Morgan Heritage as well as current hit maker Laza Morgan.

The elder Morgan is most known for his hit tune, I'll Do Anything For You.