Nines: Rapper charged with drug offences after arrest at Heathrow Airport | UK News

Rapper Nines has been charged with drug offences after he was arrested at Heathrow Airport.

The 33-year-old musician, whose real name is Courtney Freckleton, was held last Wednesday, the Metropolitan Police said.

A video posted on social media appears to show the star with his hands cuffed behind his back, wearing grey tracksuit bottoms, a white T-shirt and white cap, as he was escorted through the airport in west London by four uniformed officers.

Nines, whose latest album Crop Circle 3 peaked at number two in the UK charts after it was released last month, has been charged with being concerned in the supply of cannabis and possession of the Class B drug.

He was also charged with three counts of breaching a serious crime prevention order by allegedly not telling police his home address and possessing a second phone and a laptop he had not registered with officers, according to court documents.

Nines, who lives in Bushey, Hertfordshire, appeared in custody at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court last Friday.

A court official said he did not enter pleas to any of the charges and was granted conditional bail by District Judge Kathryn Verghis.

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He is due to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 15 December for a plea and case management hearing.

Nines, who is originally from Harlesden, northwest London, won the MOBO Award for best hip-hop act and topped the UK album chart with his third studio release Crabs In A Bucket in 2020.

The record, which beat Metallica to number one when it was released, was also named album of the year at the MOBO awards despite competition from Stormzy, J Hus, Lianne La Havas and Mahalia.

Nines found fame with his 2017 debut album One Foot Out, which reached number four in the charts, and he has released two albums, Crop Circle 2 and Crop Circle 3, this year.

His songs have racked up millions of listens on streaming platforms and he has collaborated with the likes of Dave, Ray BLK and SL.

The Met told Sky News: “Courtney Freckleton appeared in custody at Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on Friday 17 November charged with three counts of the breach of an existing serious crime prevention order, being concerned in the supply of a class B drug (cannabis) and possession of a class B drug (cannabis).

“He was arrested at Heathrow Airport on Wednesday 15 November.

“He was bailed to appear at Kingston Crown Court on 15 December.”