US rapper Wiz Khalifa faces charges of illegal drug possession following his performance at the “Beach, Please!” festival in Costinesti, Romania. Authorities allege Khalifa was caught with cannabis during the event, which is classified as a prohibited substance in Romania and carries penalties of up to ten years in prison.
Videos circulating on social media captured Khalifa being escorted from the venue by Romanian authorities. According to Romanian anti-organized crime prosecutors (DIICOT), Khalifa was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis and allegedly consumed additional amounts on stage using a handmade cigarette.
A source close to the investigation confirmed to AFP that Khalifa and others were taken in for questioning early Sunday. Khalifa was subsequently charged but not detained. The investigation remains ongoing.
Known for frequently referencing marijuana in his lyrics, Khalifa has been associated with legal cannabis companies in the US that attract celebrity endorsements, including fellow rapper Snoop Dogg, actor Seth Rogen, and former boxer Mike Tyson.
In a separate incident involving the music scene in Romania, US rapper Nicki Minaj recently canceled her appearance at the Saga Festival in Bucharest, citing safety concerns related to planned protests against fiscal legislation changes.
