Thug Life Army

Popular dancehall reggae singer Sizzla was released from custody after police questioned him in connection with alleged involvement in gunrunning and gang violence, his lawyer said Tuesday.

The 28-year old singer, whose real name is Miguel Collins, was released Monday, Glen Cruickshank said.

Sizzla was among 33 people arrested Thursday after police and military raided the crime-ridden community of August Town in Jamaica's capital Kingston. Authorities seized six AK-47 rifles, three sniper rifles, a submachine gun and 58 rounds of ammunition.

Three men have been charged with illegal possession of weapons and ammunition. The others are still being questioned.

"They questioned him (Sizzla) about violence in August Town and the guns, and he denied knowledge of both. They could not carry that to court," said Cruickshank.

Some August Town residents have accused Sizzla of inciting violence between gunmen from Judgement Yard, the August Town section where he lives, and Jungle 12, a neighbouring section.

Last year, Sizzla's Jungle 12 home was fire-bombed, allegedly by Judgement Yard residents.

Sizzla, whose songs include Thank U Mamma and Black Woman and Child, is one of the most popular of reggae's new-wave Rasta singers. His CD, Da Real Thing, was a bestseller in 2003.

In 2004, he clashed with gay advocacy groups in Europe that said the homophobic lyrics of some of his songs encouraged violence against homosexuals. Protests by these groups forced his management to cancel several shows.

Sizzla was arrested Dec. 25, after using profanity at an East Fest concert in St. Thomas parish in eastern Jamaica. Sentenced to 15 days in prison, he was allowed to remain free pending appeal.

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