Wiz Khalifa Faces Drug Possession Charges in Romania

Rapper Wiz Khalifa has been charged with possession of illegal drugs following his performance at a resort in Romania, according to the Agence France-Presse (AFP).

Romanian prosecutors allege that the hip-hop star consumed cannabis on stage during the “Beach, Please!” festival in Costinesti, a town on the Black Sea shore. The incident occurred early Sunday morning, right after Khalifa’s headlining performance.

Cannabis is classified as a “risk drug” in Romania and carrying it can result in a 10-year prison sentence. Videos circulating on social media show the rapper being escorted from the venue by Romanian law enforcement officials.

The Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT) in Romania released a statement on Sunday saying, “During a performance at a music festival held in the resort of 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.”

According to the AFP, a source close to the investigation revealed that Khalifa, along with several other individuals, was taken in for questioning. Although the rapper was charged, he was not held in custody. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Khalifa is notable for his involvement in the legal cannabis industry in the United States. He launched his own cannabis brand, Khalifa Kush, in 2016 and expanded its release nationwide in 2022. Celebrities like Khalifa, Snoop Dogg, Seth Rogen, and Mike Tyson have been known to either fund or endorse legal cannabis companies.

The rapper has been vocal about his affinity for cannabis, often highlighting it in interviews. He claimed to spend around $10,000 a month on cannabis and is known to smoke daily. Khalifa has been sponsored by The Cookie Company, a medical marijuana dispensary that also sells his Khalifa Kush strain, since 2014. Additionally, he has partnered with RiverRock Cannabis to further develop his strain.

In a related note, rap superstar Nicki Minaj recently canceled her performance at the Saga Festival in Bucharest earlier this month, citing safety concerns tied to upcoming protests. Reports indicated that the day after Minaj’s scheduled appearance, there was a peaceful demonstration by accountants against changes to Romania’s fiscal legislation.

Born Cameron Jibril Thomaz, Wiz Khalifa gained mainstream recognition with his 2010 single “Black and Yellow,” a tribute to his hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned him nominations for two Grammy Awards: Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song. Over the course of his career, Khalifa has been nominated for 10 Grammy Awards.

In 2015, he collaborated with Charlie Puth on the song “See You Again,” which served as a tribute to Paul Walker, who tragically passed away during the filming of “Furious 7.” The track was also featured on the movie’s soundtrack.

Khalifa’s last studio album, “Multiverse,” was released in 2022. Last year, he joined Snoop Dogg for their “High School Reunion” Tour. He also appeared in a Super Bowl commercial this year, honoring Bob Marley in promotion of the biopic “Bob Marley: One Love.”

Source: Agence France-Presse (AFP)