Rapper Nelly arrested for alleged drug possession at Missouri casino

The American rap sensation has had a run-in with the law during an early morning traffic stop while leaving a casino.

Rapper Nelly was arrested after police pulled him over while leaving a Missouri casino and allegedly discovered four ecstasy pills in his possession.

Nelly, whose real name is Cornell I. Haynes Jr., was leaving the Hollywood Casino in Maryland Heights near St. Louis at around 4:45am local time, when he was stopped for ID verification.

These random check-ups are occasionally done in Missouri casinos following the regulations of the state’s gaming commission.

The 49-year-old was subsequently arrested for a previous warrant he had under his name for failure to obtain car insurance, and during the search officers allegedly found ecstasy pills in his possession.

Nelly’s mug shot after his arrest. Picture: Maryland Heights Police

The rapper has since been released. Picture: Sony Music

A police spokesperson told the New York Post that the highway patrol was already present at the casino, as required by the Missouri Gaming Commission’s regulations.

They said that various factors can initiate a verification check, however, they do not believe it was prompted by any criminal activity on Nelly’s part.

The rapper was booked at the Maryland Heights Police Department and later released.

And while he hasn’t been charged, he will likely face the music when the police submit the paperwork and it will be up to the prosecutors whether to bring charges against him.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol said that the 49-year-old was caught inside the Hollywood Casino. Picture: AFP

The rapper — known for such early-2000s hits as “Hot in Herre,” “Ride Wit Me” and “Just a Dream”— appeared to smirk in his mug shot while wearing a black hoodie with a white shirt and diamond chain.

In December, Nelly secretly married his long-lost love Ashanti and the couple are currently expecting their first child together, who is due any time now.

Ashanti, 43, told Essence magazine in April: “This new year of my life is such a blessing full of love, hope and anticipation.

“Motherhood is something that I have looked forward to, and sharing this with my family, fiance and loyal fans, who have been so supportive of my career, is an amazing experience.”

Nelly with Ashanti as the couple expect their first child together. Picture: Instagram

This baby will be Ashanti’s first and Nelly’s third. He’s also a father to daughter Chanelle, 29, and son Cornell Haynes III, 24, who he shares with his ex Channetta Valentine.

Nelly and Ashanti famously dated from 2003 to 2013 before they reunited last year.

In 2022, Ashanti told the New York Post why her relationship with Nelly didn’t last the first time.

“There were good times, and there were times where it was hard … just travelling so much and living in two different states,” the singer said. “Our careers were, like, taking off back then. It was really hard to try and just do everything.”

Originally published as Rapper Nelly arrested for alleged drug possession at Missouri casino