Nelly’s Casino Drug Charges Dropped

Nelly won’t face charges following the rapper’s August arrest at a St. Louis casino for ecstasy possession, according to officials.

A media release from St. Louis County prosecuting attorney Wesley Bell stated that prosecutors “don’t believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges.”

An officer supervising the transaction claimed that a background check was necessary for Nelly to collect that much money. And, performing it turned up a bench warrant for driving without proof of insurance in 2018.

That warrant has since been cleared. At the time, though, it triggered a search of the 49-year-old rapper’s vehicle, where four ecstasy pills were discovered. Ecstasy (MDMA) is considered a Schedule 1 substance, the Controlled Substances Act’s classification for the most illegal drugs possible.

Nelly, who grew up in the area and is a local hero, was walked through the casino in handcuffs by the officers, who recommended a charge of felony possession of a controlled substance. He was released shortly after his arrest.

Bell’s office didn’t elaborate on why the charges were dropped. However, Nelly’s attorney previously argued that both the background check and the search were illegal.

In 2009, police conducting a traffic stop in Sierra Blanca, Texas found methamphetamine, marijuana, and a loaded firearm on Nelly’s tour bus. Nelly wasn’t charged with drug possession, but was cited for having the contraband on his bus.

In 2001, Nelly was arrested in St. Louis on drug-related charges after he was reportedly found with a small amount of marijuana. He was briefly detained before being released.