American Rapper Wiz Khalifa Given Nine‑Month Prison Term in Romania

American hip‑hop artist Wiz Khalifa has been handed a nine‑month prison sentence by a Romanian court after being convicted on drug possession charges tied to an incident at a music festival in Romania in July 2024.

The case began when Romanian authorities stopped the rapper — whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz — following his performance at the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti, a popular coastal town. During the event, law enforcement said he was found carrying more than 18 grams of cannabis and consuming some of it on stage while performing for the crowd.

Initially, a lower court in Constanta County issued a fine as punishment earlier this year. That fine amounted to approximately 3,600 Romanian lei (roughly $830) for “illegal possession of dangerous drugs,” a misdemeanor under Romanian law. However, prosecutors were not satisfied with the monetary penalty and appealed for a stricter ruling.

On December 18, 2025, the Constanta Court of Appeal delivered a final verdict, overturning the initial fine and imposing a nine‑month custodial sentence. The judges explained that the court acted to set a precedent and respond to the public nature of the offense, considering the influence the performer holds, especially among younger audiences. Romanian law treats the possession and use of cannabis seriously, with sentences ranging from fines to potential imprisonment.

At this stage, it remains unclear whether Romanian authorities will seek to extradite Khalifa from the United States to serve the sentence. As a U.S. citizen who does not reside in Romania, enforcement of the jail term could involve international legal processes.

This ruling highlights the strict enforcement of drug laws in Romania and the potential legal consequences performers may face when engaging in prohibited activities abroad.