TENNESSEE, USA – American rapper, singer and songwriter Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Iral Haynes Jr, was arrested by highway patrol troopers on drug charges in Tennessee Saturday, authorities said.
The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security said Nelly was arrested after highway patrol troopers found drugs and handguns in the bus he was riding in.
The bus was pulled over because it did not display the US Department of Transportation International Fuel Tax Association sticker, the department said in a statement.
A Highway Patrol trooper said he conducted a search on the bus after he smelled marijuana coming from the vehicle, the department added.
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.
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.
The bus was occupied by six subjects, one of whom was identified as Brian Jones, 44, of St. Louis, Missouri. Mr. Jones, a convicted felon, was also in possession of a handgun and was charged accordingly.
Nelly, 40, also of St. Louis, Missouri and Jones, who were traveling to St. Louis when the traffic stop occurred, were transported to the Putnam County Jail.
The weapons and drugs were seized in accordance with state law. – BusinessNewsAsia.com