Romanian Court Sentences US Rapper Wiz Khalifa to 9 Months for Drugs
American rapper Wiz Khalifa has received a nine-month prison sentence in Romania due to drug possession. This ruling was delivered by the Constanta Court of Appeal on Thursday, following an incident that took place over a year ago.
Incident Details and Charges
Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, was apprehended by Romanian authorities in July 2024. This occurred at the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti, located in Constanta County. During his performance, he was allegedly seen smoking cannabis on stage.
Prosecutors reported that Khalifa possessed over 18 grams of cannabis and partook in its consumption while performing. The charges were serious: he was convicted of “possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption.” This follows an initial ruling from a lower court in Constanta County, which had imposed a fine of 3,600 lei (approximately $830) for the same offense.
Legal Proceedings
- The Constanta Court of Appeal’s decision is final.
- The prosecutor’s office appealed the initial fine, seeking a more severe punishment.
- Romania has strict drug laws, with possession of cannabis being criminalized.
Under Romanian law, possession of cannabis for personal use can lead to up to two years in prison or a fine. The harsh drug legislation reflects the country’s stance on substance abuse.
Future Implications
It remains uncertain whether Romanian authorities will pursue extradition for Khalifa, as he is a U.S. citizen who does not reside in Romania. His conviction adds another layer to the ongoing discourse regarding drug laws and their enforcement in Europe.
Rapper’s Background
The 38-year-old has achieved significant fame, particularly noted for his mixtape “Kush + Orange Juice.” During his performance in Romania, he was seen smoking a large, hand-rolled cigarette while singing his popular track “Young, Wild & Free.”
Wiz Khalifa’s situation underscores the complexities of navigating international law as a celebrity, particularly concerning drug-related offenses.
