American rapper Wiz Khalifa has reportedly been placed on Romania’s wanted list following a high-profile drug case that began during a music festival appearance in 2024 and ended with a prison sentence handed down in late 2025.

The case has reignited debates around cannabis laws, celebrity accountability, and how different countries handle drug-related offenses involving international artists.

The controversy began in July 2024 during the popular Beach, Please! Festival in Costinești, Romania. According to Romanian authorities, Wiz Khalifa smoked marijuana live on stage during his performance, an act that quickly drew police attention in a country where cannabis remains illegal. 

Shortly after the performance, the rapper was detained and investigated for illegal drug possession. Initial reports suggested the punishment would remain relatively minor, with the court imposing a fine of approximately $796. However, Romanian prosecutors later appealed the ruling and pushed for a harsher sentence.

As the legal proceedings continued, Wiz Khalifa reportedly left Romania before the case was fully resolved. Romanian prosecutors argued that a financial penalty was insufficient given the public nature of the incident and the fact that the alleged drug use happened in front of thousands of festival attendees. 

At the end of 2025, a Romanian court sentenced the rapper to nine months in prison for possession of drugs intended for personal use. Reports indicate that the sentence was issued in absentia after Khalifa had already departed the country. 

Recent reports from Romanian media outlet Adevarul claim that authorities have now added Wiz Khalifa to the country’s wanted persons database, escalating the legal situation into an international matter. 

While it remains unclear whether Romania will formally seek extradition from the United States, the development has attracted widespread attention online, especially among fans who view marijuana-related prison sentences as excessive compared to laws in many Western countries.

The incident serves as another reminder that cannabis laws differ dramatically around the world. While marijuana has been legalized or decriminalized in several U.S. states and parts of Europe, Romania maintains stricter anti-drug legislation.

For international performers and tourists alike, the case highlights the legal risks of assuming that cannabis laws abroad mirror those in the United States.

The story has triggered intense debate across social media platforms. Some users criticized Romanian authorities for pursuing prison time over marijuana possession, while others argued that celebrities should respect the laws of countries they visit regardless of personal beliefs.

The controversy also adds to a growing list of international legal troubles involving musicians and entertainers whose actions on stage have led to real-world consequences beyond fines or public backlash.

As of now, Wiz Khalifa has not publicly announced whether he plans to appeal further or return to Romania to address the sentence.