Nicki Minaj arrested in Amsterdam over alleged cannabis possession
Internationally acclaimed rapper Nicki Minaj was arrested at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport for alleged cannabis possession while en route to a performance in Manchester. The incident, which has sparked significant controversy, unfolded on Saturday, May 25, and was extensively documented by Minaj on her social media platforms.
Arrest at Schiphol Airport
Nicki Minaj, known for her chart-topping hits and vibrant stage presence, found herself at the center of a legal debacle when Dutch authorities detained her during a routine customs check at Schiphol Airport. Minaj was scheduled to perform at Co-op Live in Manchester, a much-anticipated stop on her Pink Friday World Tour.
Minaj’s Social Media Outcry
Taking to her X account (formerly Twitter), Minaj shared a series of tweets detailing the events leading to her arrest. In one of her posts, she claimed that police officers found cannabis in her luggage, a discovery that she vehemently contested. Alongside a video of airport officials rummaging through her belongings, Minaj expressed her frustration and suspicion that the incident was a deliberate attempt to sabotage her tour.
“They’re being paid big money to try to sabotage my tour b/c soooooo many people are mad that it’s this successful & they can’t eat off me. They got caught stealing money from my travel jets. Got Fired. Got mad. Etc.,” Minaj tweeted, alleging that former associates disgruntled over their dismissal were behind the plot.
Legal Cannabis in Amsterdam
Adding a layer of irony to the situation, Minaj pointed out that cannabis is legal in Amsterdam, making the arrest even more perplexing to her and her fans. “This is Amsterdam where weed is legal,” she tweeted, questioning the basis of her detainment in a city known for its liberal drug policies.
Disputed Ownership of the Cannabis
Further complicating matters, Minaj posted another tweet clarifying that the pre-rolled cannabis found in her luggage did not belong to her. She stated that her security team had already informed the authorities that the pre-rolls were theirs. “Now they said they found weed & that another group of people have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls. Keep in mind they took my bags without my consent. My security has already advised them those pre-rolls belong to them,” she tweeted.
Minaj also mentioned an additional layer of drama involving her pilot. According to her, the pilot requested that she remove her Instagram post detailing the incident, although she did not specify the reasons behind this request.
Fallout and Reactions
The news of Minaj’s arrest quickly spread, igniting a flurry of reactions from fans, fellow musicians, and media outlets. Many fans expressed their outrage on social media, supporting Minaj’s claims of sabotage and criticizing the handling of the situation by Dutch authorities. Some even suggested that the incident was a targeted attack on Minaj’s highly successful tour.
Impact on the Pink Friday World Tour
Despite the arrest and subsequent delay, Minaj’s team worked swiftly to address the situation. Her management confirmed that they were doing everything possible to ensure that the Manchester show would proceed as planned. “We are fully cooperating with local authorities and expect to have Nicki back on tour very soon,” a spokesperson for Minaj stated.
Broader Implications
This incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by celebrities and international performers, particularly regarding legal entanglements and the scrutiny of their activities by authorities. Minaj’s arrest in Amsterdam highlights the complexities and potential misunderstandings that can arise when navigating different legal frameworks, even in countries with relatively liberal drug policies.
