Snoop Dogg charged with weapon possesion

Rapper Snoop Dogg was today charged with possessing a lethal weapon after security officers at a California airport found a collapsible baton in the entertainer's hand luggage.

The rapper, real name Calvin Broadus, reported to authorities at the Orange County Jail and was expected to post $150,000 (€117,915) bail, said Susan Schroeder of the district attorney's office.

If convicted, the 35-year-old rapper could be sentenced to three years in prison.

The incident occurred on September 27, as Broadus prepared to catch a flight to San Francisco.

The rapper told deputies at the time of his arrest that the baton was a prop for a movie.

The charge was filed on November 2 and an arrest warrant was issued. His lawyer, Donald Etra, has called the charge "bogus".

Last month, the artist was arrested at Bob Hope Airport in Burbank for investigation of illegal drug and gun possession. He posted $35,000 (€27,515) bail and was ordered to appear in court on December 12.