World-famous American rapper, Nicki Minaj was arrested this weekend at Schiphol Airport — and her Barbz (fans) made sure to let their outrage show.
But why was Minaj arrested? Did she really commit a crime?
Here’s a breakdown of what led to that iconic livestream and why Minaj was arrested in the Netherlands. 👇
Exporting soft drugs
Fans took to social media with the hashtag #FREENICKI on Saturday after the rapper live-streamed her arrest at the Dutch airport.
FREE MY MFN MOTHER WTF #FREENICKI pic.twitter.com/joT8MbEBQg— 𝙗𝙖𝙧𝙞 ᴺᴹ (@BARIJUKU) May 25, 2024
And, as it was made quite clear, they were angry.
Onika, we on the way! #FREENICKI pic.twitter.com/G6EOxLVa7w— NUFF (@nuffsaidny) May 25, 2024
This is because there is a common misconception that weed is legal in the Netherlands. However, this is not actually the case.
BARBZ , NICKI MINAJ HAS JUST BEEN ARRESTED BY THE ROYAL MARECHAUSSEE IN THE NETHERLANDS FOR POSSESSION OF DRUGS DESPITE THE FACT MARIJUANA BEING LEGAL WE GOTTA DO EVERYTHING WE CAN TO HELP HER 🙏🏽 #FREENICKI pic.twitter.com/BYQAKlQw59— harajuku harley (@CITYGAGGER) May 25, 2024
Weed is not actually legal in the Netherlands
The Dutch government has a tolerant approach to the sale of “soft drugs” in coffeeshops.
READ MORE | Is smoking weed in Amsterdam legal? (+ 7 best coffeeshops!)
As a result, you can possess up to five grams of weed without getting in trouble.
However, as soon as you go above this amount or try to leave the country with it, you’re committing a crime — and unfortunately for Barbz, Minaj’s party did both.
READ MORE | The do’s and don’ts of smoking weed in Amsterdam
The Royal Military Police reported that a “significant amount of joints” were found as the singer tried to leave the Netherlands.
🚨 Nicki Minaj fans are protesting outside the jail where she's being held and shouting "Free Onika!" #FREENICKI pic.twitter.com/MALSRGnCoY— Drop Pop (@DropPopNet) May 25, 2024
Security guard’s possession
On X, the singer explained that the joints actually belonged to her security guard.
However, according to the NOS, a fine, which Minaj paid, will go to her and not the security guard.
This also means that the offence will be on her Dutch criminal record.
It’s worth noting that Minaj’s arrest doesn’t mean her wardrobe will consist of prison orange for the next few tours. In fact, the matter is already done and dusted.
While she was whisked away in a police van and detained, in the end, Minaj only had to pay a €350 fine.
Still welcome in the Netherlands
As the fine is now paid, as far as the Dutch police are concerned, the case is closed.
However, Minaj will have to be on her best behaviour should she ever want to come to the Netherlands again — if she ever will. 😬
Speaking with the NOS, a spokesperson for the Public Prosecution Service explains that “She is still welcome in the Netherlands, but it is important that it does not happen again. Then the penalties will be higher.”
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Feature Image: MTV International/Wikimedia Commons/CC3.0