Romanian Court Sentences Rapper Wiz Khalifa to Nine Months in Jail Over Festival Drug Possession
American rapper Wiz Khalifa was sentenced by a court in Romania on Thursday to nine months in jail for drug possession. The ruling comes more than a year after the artist was detained for using cannabis during a performance at a major music festival in the Eastern European country. The Constanta Court of Appeal handed down the final decision after convicting the rapper of possessing dangerous drugs for personal consumption. Prosecutors successfully argued for a stricter penalty after a lower court previously issued a criminal fine for the same offense. The sentence reflects the strict drug laws maintained by Romanian authorities regarding the public use and possession of controlled substances.+2
The legal troubles for the 38-year-old artist began in July 2024 during his appearance at the Beach, Please! Festival in the coastal resort of Costinesti. During his set, the rapper was observed smoking a hand-rolled cigarette on stage while performing his hit songs. Following the performance, law enforcement officials intercepted the rapper and conducted a search. Prosecutors revealed that he was found in possession of more than 18 grams of cannabis. While he was released shortly after his initial detainment, the Romanian Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism continued a formal criminal investigation that eventually led to his indictment and trial.+3
This new jail sentence represents a significant escalation from a previous court ruling in April. At that time, a lower court in Constanta County had ordered the rapper to pay a criminal fine of 3,600 lei, which is roughly 830 dollars. Prosecutors immediately appealed that decision and stated that a fine did not sufficiently address the gravity of the crime. The appeals court agreed with the prosecution and opted to impose the nine-month prison term instead. Under Romanian law, possession of cannabis for personal use is a criminal act that can carry a sentence of up to two years.+3
Despite the finality of the sentence, it remains unclear how Romanian authorities intend to enforce the jail time. Wiz Khalifa is a citizen of the United States and does not currently reside in Romania. International legal experts suggest that an extradition request is unlikely for a minor drug possession charge, but the conviction creates a permanent legal hurdle for the artist. He could face immediate arrest if he attempts to enter Romania or potentially other countries within the Schengen Area if a regional warrant is issued. The rapper had previously posted an apology on social media following the incident and claimed he intended no disrespect toward the laws of the country.
