Drake, one of the biggest hip hop stars in the world, was reportedly arrested today in Sweden for marijuana possession – according to online reports seen by Media Take Out.
According to Scandinavia’s biggest hip-hop platforms, Drake and his bodyguard were “arrested” in Sweden, Stockholm during a private party at the nightclub Berns. There’s no confirmed reason to why he was taken into custody yet, but witnesses say it’s about illegally possessing cannabis.
Drake’s team is denying that he was “arrested”, and Swedish police have confirmed that Drake is not currently in custody.
But neither Drake’s team, nor the police are commenting specifically on what happened last night. It’s possible that Drake may still face charges.
And he may need President Biden to step in, and get him out of trouble.
Recreational marijuana is illegal in Sweden, where strict, even “repressive” drug policies belie the country’s progressive image.
So how much time is Drake facing, assuming the report is accurate?
Well, Media Take Out did some digging. Under Sweden’s Act on Penal Law on Narcotics (1968:64) anyone who “unlawfully transfers narcotics” or “possesses, uses, or otherwise handles narcotics shall, if he has acted wilfully, be sentenced for a narcotic drug offence to imprisonment for not more than three years.” For minor drug offenses though, such as possession of cannabis, the penalty can include fines or up to six months imprisonment.
If the reports are accurate, Drake will be the second big name hip hop star arrested in Sweden.
Back in July 2019, A$AP Rocky was arrested in Stockholm after punching and kicking a man in the street. The rapper – who claimed he acted in self defence – spent a month in jail and was later found guilty of assault, receiving a conditional sentence.
President Donald Trump pulled a few strings, and got A$AP released from prison early.
Among the world’s best-selling music artists, with over 170 million records sold, Drake is ranked as the highest-certified digital singles artist in the United States by the RIAA.
He has won four Grammy Awards, six American Music Awards, a record 34 Billboard Music Awards, two Brit Awards, and three Juno Awards. Drake has achieved 10 number-one hits on the Billboard Hot 100 and holds further Hot 100 records; he has the most top 10 singles (54), the most charted songs (258), the most simultaneously charted songs in one week (27), the most Hot 100 debuts in one week (22), and the most continuous time on the Hot 100 (431 weeks). He additionally has the most number-one singles on the R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay, Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, Hot Rap Songs, and Rhythmic Airplay charts.