American rapper Nicki Minaj was detained by authorities at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on suspicion of drug possession.
The incident occurred just hours before she was scheduled to perform at the Co-op Live venue in Manchester.
According to sources, Minaj, aged 41, underwent additional screening at Schiphol Airport, leading to her arrest. A spokesperson for the Marechaussee (the Dutch military police responsible for border and airport security) confirmed that a 41-year-old American woman was taken into custody for possession of soft drugs at the Schiphol-Oost private airfield.
Passports control officers initially screened her and subsequently ordered a search of her luggage, where the drugs were discovered. The exact weight of the drugs had not yet been determined at the time of her detention.
Minaj herself confirmed the encounter with authorities on social media. She explained that officials decided to search her luggage after seeing her film them.
In a video she posted online, a man informed her that her bags were being searched. Minaj expressed frustration, stating, “They took my luggage without consent.” She also mentioned that this incident occurred in Amsterdam, where cannabis is legally tolerated.
Although cannabis is not fully legal in the Netherlands, a “tolerance policy” allows for the retail sale of small quantities for personal use in cannabis cafés known as “coffeeshops.” Personal use quantities are limited to five grams.
Despite the legal situation, fans at the Co-op Live venue remained hopeful that Minaj’s concert would proceed as planned. Thousands of fans, many wearing her trademark pink, gathered, chanting, “Free Nicki Minaj!”
However, with the concert doors opening late, uncertainty hung in the air. Minaj’s reputation for tardiness added to the anticipation, leaving fans wondering whether the show would indeed go ahead.
