By Songu Michael
American rapper Nicki Minaj was allegedly apprehended at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on suspicion of possessing narcotics, as reported by Dutch media on Saturday. Scheduled to perform in the UK later that day, she shared images on social media of her interaction with authorities.
While police did not confirm Minaj’s identity, they acknowledged detaining a 41-year-old American woman suspected of attempting to export narcotics to another jurisdiction. Robert Kapel, a spokesperson for the military police, stated, “We do not disclose the identity of individuals in custody, but I can confirm the arrest of a 41-year-old woman on suspicion of drug trafficking.”
Minaj disclosed that officials informed her they discovered cannabis in her belongings, which she claimed belonged to her security team. She expressed frustration over the situation, noting that her security had informed authorities that the cannabis joints were his. The rapper also mentioned being required to provide a statement at a police station, insinuating that the process was a deliberate attempt to delay her and generate negative publicity.
Many individuals outside of the Netherlands mistakenly believe that marijuana is legal in the country, which is renowned for its coffee shops selling cannabis products. Although the personal use of small amounts of marijuana is technically against the law, law enforcement has adopted a policy of non-enforcement since the 1970s, often referred to as a “tolerance” approach. However, the transportation of narcotics across borders remains illegal.
