US rapper Wiz Khalifa was detained by Romanian police on Sunday following his performance at the Beach, Please! Festival on the Black Sea Coast.
The 36-year-old artist has been charged with illegal drug possession, as reported by Agence France Presse.
According to statements from Romanian anti-organised crime prosecutors (DIICOT), Khalifa was found in possession of over 18 grams of cannabis during his performance in the resort town of Costinesti.
Additionally, he was observed consuming another quantity of cannabis in the form of a hand-rolled cigarette while on stage.
In Romania, cannabis is classified as a “risk drug,” and possession of the substance can result in severe penalties, including up to ten years in prison.
Videos have circulated on social media showing the rapper Wiz Khalifa smoking on stage during his performance at the Beach. Another clip shows him being escorted from the venue by police.
“Last nights show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage,” Wiz wrote on his X account Sunday morning. “They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time.”
According to the AFP, Wiz Khalifa and others were taken in for questioning by Romanian authorities. While Khalifa was charged with illegal drug possession, he was not held in police custody, as confirmed by a source close to the AFP.
The investigation into the incident is said to be ongoing.
