Amsterdam, May 27, 2024 — Renowned American rapper Nicki Minaj was detained by Dutch military police at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Saturday due to allegations of possessing soft drugs. The 41-year-old artist was apprehended as she attempted to leave the Netherlands, a country known for its stringent regulations on transporting such substances.
Dutch military police confirmed that a 41-year-old American woman had been held for the possession of soft drugs, noting the illegality of taking these substances out of the country. While authorities did not initially disclose the suspect’s identity, a subsequent post on the social media platform X indicated that the woman had been fined and released.
Minaj’s arrest had significant ramifications, leading to the cancellation of her scheduled performance in Manchester, England. Co-op Live, the venue in Manchester, announced the show’s cancellation on X, stating, “Despite Nicki’s best efforts to explore every possible avenue to make tonight’s show happen, the events of today have made it impossible.” The rapper was detained mere hours before the show was set to start and released 45 minutes after the scheduled start time at the Manchester Co-op Live.
Earlier, Minaj had shared a video on X depicting a Schiphol Airport employee informing her that the police intended to search all her luggage. Another video posted on her social media showcased a police officer accusing her of carrying drugs, which Minaj vehemently denied. “Now they said they found weed & that another group of ppl have to come here to weigh the pre-rolls,” she stated in a subsequent post.
The incident has sparked widespread discussion among fans and on social media, highlighting the complexities celebrities face while navigating international regulations and the potential impact on their professional commitments.
Minaj, known for her bold persona and chart-topping hits, has yet to make an official statement regarding the incident. Her management team has not provided further details about her travel plans or the rescheduling of the canceled Manchester show.
The Dutch authorities have emphasized their stance on drug regulations, reinforcing the importance of compliance with local laws even for high-profile individuals.