Nicki Minaj Arrest: Dutch police say race has nothing to do with arrest

Rapper says airport arrest for possession of cannabis was influenced by her being from 'a confident other race.'

Nicki Minaj’s arrest in Amsterdam last weekend was not motivated by race, Dutch police have asserted, responding to the rapper's claims. 

The incident occurred at Schiphol Airport last Saturday, resulting in  a 350 Euro ($380) fine after authorities found dozens of joints in her luggage.

According to BBC, Minaj described her treatment as “disgusting” and suggested it was influenced by her being from “a confident other race.” 

However, Dutch police have firmly rejected these allegations. 

A police spokesperson told the BBC, “We just do our job and it is protocol to search luggage and arrest a person when we find drugs. The arrest was around 17:30 and the release at 21:30. We stand for a professional organisation that treats everybody equally, no matter what.”

The rapper's detention caused her to miss a scheduled performance in Manchester, UK, disappointing 20,000 fans. 

The concert has been rescheduled for this month. 

Addressing the incident on the livestreaming platform Stationhead, Minaj expressed her distress, saying, “Not being able to get to Manchester, I don’t know when was the last time I felt that low. And not only that, but just knowing that something is being done to you on purpose. You are a confident other race, you know?”

Dutch military police echoed the sentiment of professional conduct. “I think that it all went very smoothly. It’s annoying that she drew that card,” a spokesperson told BBC.

Despite the backlash, Dutch prosecutors confirmed Minaj was carrying 30 to 100 grams of cannabis, though Minaj claimed the “pre-rolls” belonged to her security guard. 

The situation has sparked a dialogue on racial profiling and treatment by law enforcement, but Dutch authorities maintain their stance on impartiality and adherence to protocol.