US rapper Wiz Khalifa faced legal trouble in Romania after being charged with illegal drug possession on Sunday. The incident occurred during his headline performance at the “Beach, Please!” festival in Costinesti, a village on the Black Sea coast.
According to Romanian anti-organized crime prosecutors (DIICOT), Khalifa was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis and consumed another quantity on stage in the form of a handmade cigarette.
“During a performance at a music festival held in Costinesti, the accused was found to have possessed more than 18 grams of cannabis and to have consumed (on stage) another quantity in the form of a handmade cigarette,” the prosecutors stated.
Following the performance, videos on social media showed Khalifa being escorted out of the festival by police. The rapper later posted on X, formerly known as Twitter, expressing gratitude for the respectful treatment he received from the officers and confirming his release from custody.
“Last night’s show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage,” Khalifa wrote. “They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time.”
In the United States, recreational cannabis use is legal in 24 states, with an additional 14 states permitting it for medical purposes. Khalifa, known for frequently rapping about marijuana, has endorsed several legal cannabis brands.
In Romania, however, cannabis is classified as a “risk drug,” and possession can result in up to 10 years in prison. The “Beach, Please!” festival, co-founded by YouTuber Andrei Selaru in coordination with the Romanian Interior Ministry, was also the site of an anti-drug campaign.
Romanian media reported that the festival anticipated around 200,000 attendees. Khalifa is not the first US rapper to encounter legal issues related to cannabis in Europe; in May, Nicki Minaj was detained at Amsterdam Schiphol airport for allegedly attempting to export soft drugs.
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