Constanța, Romania — American rapper Wiz Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, is set to face trial after being indicted by prosecutors in Constanța for allegedly smoking marijuana on stage during the “Beach, Please!” festival in Costinești this past July. The trial is scheduled to take place at the Constanța Tribunal on October 16.
The indictment comes from the Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism (DIICOT), which began investigating the incident shortly after it occurred. During his performance, Khalifa reportedly smoked cannabis and possessed over 18 grams of the substance, which is classified as a high-risk drug under Romanian law.
Possession of marijuana is illegal in Romania, with penalties ranging from three months to two years in prison or fines. Given the classification of marijuana as a high-risk drug in this instance, Khalifa could face imprisonment of six months to three years if convicted.
The incident gained widespread attention when footage of Khalifa smoking on stage went viral, prompting immediate action from local authorities. Following the performance, Khalifa was detained briefly but was later released as investigations continued.
In the wake of the controversy, Khalifa issued an apology via social media, expressing regret for his actions. “Last night’s show was amazing. I didn’t mean to disrespect Romania by lighting up a joint on stage. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big joint next time,” he stated on X (formerly Twitter).
As the trial approaches, legal experts suggest that Khalifa’s case may hinge on various factors, including his prior conduct and the specifics of Romanian drug laws. The Romanian legal system allows for some leniency in cases involving minor drug offenses, particularly for first-time offenders, but the presence of high-risk drugs complicates matters.
The Romanian government typically approaches drug-related offenses with strict enforcement, yet there is a growing discourse around potential reforms to decriminalize certain substances. Whether Khalifa’s case will influence public opinion or lead to changes in legislation remains to be seen.
As the legal proceedings unfold, fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see how the court addresses this high-profile case in the context of Romania’s stringent drug laws.