American rapper Wiz Khalifa has been handed a nine-month prison sentence by a Romanian court for drug possession, concluding a case that began over a year ago following a festival performance.
The Festival Incident and Arrest
The legal proceedings stem from an incident in July 2024. The performer, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, was stopped by Romanian police after allegedly smoking cannabis on stage. This occurred at the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti, a resort in Constanta County. Prosecutors stated that Khalifa was found with more than 18 grams of cannabis and had consumed some during his set.
Court Proceedings and Final Verdict
Initially, in April this year, a lower court in Constanta County gave Khalifa a criminal fine of 3,600 lei (approximately $830) for illegal possession. However, prosecutors appealed this decision, seeking a harsher penalty. The Constanta Court of Appeal has now delivered a final ruling, convicting the 38-year-old artist of "possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption." The court imposed a nine-month jail term, a sentence which, according to Romania's Agerpres news agency, cannot be appealed further.
Romania's Strict Drug Laws and Potential Extradition
Romania maintains some of Europe's stricter narcotics legislation. Personal use possession of cannabis is a criminal offence, punishable by imprisonment ranging from three months to two years or a financial penalty. It remains unclear whether Romanian authorities will pursue an extradition request for Khalifa, who is a U.S. citizen and does not live in Romania.
The Pittsburgh-born rapper, famous for hits like "Young, Wild & Free," rose to fame with projects such as the mixtape "Kush + Orange Juice." His on-stage act in Romania, which involved smoking a large hand-rolled cigarette while performing, ultimately led to this significant legal consequence.
