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Rapper Nelly arrested on drug charges in Tennessee

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Rapper and reality TV star Nelly is facing felony drug charges after being arrested in Tennessee on Saturday.

Tennessee Highway Patrol said in a news release that Nelly, whose real name is Cornell Haynes, was pulled over about 9:20 a.m. because the bus he was riding in failed to display a U.S. Department of Transportation and International Fuel Tax Association sticker.

According to the release troopers smelled marijuana when they reached the bus.

When troopers searched the bus, they found five rocks that tested positive for meth, as well as a small amount of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Officials told CBS affiliate WTVF in Nashville that troopers found around 100 small bags, commonly used for the sale of narcotics, plus numerous handguns, including a gold-plated 50-caliber Desert Eagle pistol, a 45-caliber Taurus pistol, and a 500 magnum Smith and Wesson.

At least one of the handguns was in possession of a convicted felon on the bus, officials said. That person was also arrested.

The St. Louis native, who is 40 years old, is facing charges including felony possession of drugs and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Nelly, 40, was released from Putnam County Jail on a $10,000 bond. His next court date is June 19.

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