Grammy-winning rapper Nelly was charged with felony drug possession after his motor coach was stopped by Tennessee State Highway Patrol on Interstate 40 over the weekend.
Nelly, 40, whose real name is Cornell Haynes, was taken to the Putnam County Jail after troopers found drugs during a probable cause search,
according to the state police.
"The troopers discovered in the sleeper area a plastic bag that contained five colored crystal-type rocks that tested positive for methamphetamine, as well as a small amount of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia," said police.
"Further investigation revealed approximately 100 small Ziploc bags that are commonly associated with the sale of narcotics and numerous handguns, including a gold-plated 50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol, a 45-caliber Tarus pistol, and a 500 magnum Smith and Wesson," said police.
Troopers said the bus was stopped for failure to display a U.S. Department of Transportation and International Fuel Tax Association sticker and officers then noticed a smell of marijuana coming from coach, prompting the search.
Scott Rosenblum, Haynes attorney, said in a statement to
Billboard magazine that none of the drugs were connected with the entertainer.
"Nelly was one of several individuals that was on a tour bus that was stopped and searched while traveling through Tennessee," said Rosenblum. "In fact, there had been 15-20 people that had access to the bus prior to the stop."
"Allegedly, a small quantity of contraband (MDMA aka Molly or Ecstasy) was discovered during the routine search. We are extremely confident that when the facts come out, Nelly will not be associated with the contraband that was allegedly discovered," said Roseblum.
The rapper, best known for his hits "Country Grammar," and Grammy winners "Hot in Herre" and "Dilemma," was on his way to St. Louis when the coach was stopped,
according to the Johnson City Press.
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