Puerto Rican rapper and producer Jhayco was arrested in Miami-Dade County early Tuesday morning on drug possession charges after deputies discovered suspected cocaine and cannabis during a traffic stop. The 32-year-old artist, born Jesús Manuel Nieves Cortés, faces felony and misdemeanor charges and is being held on $3,000 bond pending his initial court appearance.
Jhayco, whose real name is Jesús Manuel Nieves Cortés, is a Grammy-nominated Puerto Rican artist known for blending reggaeton with trap and R&B influences. The 32-year-old musician rose to fame with his 2019 debut album “Famouz” and has collaborated with major Latin artists including Bad Bunny and J Balvin. As an established figure in the Latin urban music scene, his arrest carries significant implications for his career and the entertainment industry.
The arrest occurred around 4:24 AM on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, in Miami-Dade County. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office arrest report, deputies observed Jhayco’s red Corvette traveling eastbound on Southwest Eighth Street near 69th Avenue at just 5 mph before coming to a complete stop on the roadway for over a minute, prompting a traffic intervention.
During the traffic stop, deputies reported detecting a strong odor of cannabis emanating from the vehicle. They also noted visible white powder on Jhayco’s pants and nose. This led to a search where authorities discovered two black pouches containing suspected cannabis and two clear plastic baggies holding suspected cocaine. The quantities suggest personal-use amounts rather than distribution quantities.
The incident unfolded when deputies approached the stationary vehicle after its unusual behavior on the roadway. Following the detection of suspected drugs, Jhayco was detained without incident. Authorities reported the artist spontaneously made a statement at the scene, though its contents were redacted from the publicly released police report. He was formally charged with possession of cocaine (a felony) and possession of under 20 grams of cannabis (a misdemeanor).
This arrest immediately impacts Jhayco’s professional commitments, including potential delays or cancellations of upcoming performances and recording sessions. For the Latin music industry, this marks another high-profile arrest following recent cases involving other reggaeton artists. The incident could affect brand partnerships and streaming metrics for his catalog, which includes collaborations with major artists and over 15 million monthly Spotify listeners.
Legally, Jhayco remains held at Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center on $3,000 bond as of Tuesday morning. Next steps include an initial court appearance where formal charges will be filed and potential plea negotiations may begin. Industry analysts suggest this could trigger contract suspension clauses with his record label, while substance abuse advocacy groups may use the incident to highlight addiction issues in the music industry.
Looking forward, the case presents two potential paths: either resolution through Florida’s drug diversion programs for first-time offenders, or a protracted legal battle if prosecutors pursue felony convictions. Beyond the courtroom, Jhayco’s team will likely need to address potential substance abuse concerns through rehabilitation programs to mitigate career fallout. The incident also renews discussions about systemic issues of substance use in high-pressure entertainment careers and law enforcement’s approach to minor drug offenses.
