London police officers arrested Rocco John Ritchie, the 16-year-old son of the singer Madonna and the film director Guy Ritchie, after cannabis was found on him.[1] A Metropolitan Police spokesman said the arrest followed a stop and search by officers from Camden borough at about 5.15pm on Wednesday, 28 September 2016, at Steeles Mews North.[2] Neighbours who called the police said the teenager was “smoking or using drugs” near his home in Primrose Hill, a district of north London.[1]
Officers saw cannabis residue on his clothes and found a quantity of the drug when they searched him.[1] The Metropolitan Police said the youth was arrested for possession of cannabis.[2] He was taken to a north London police station and later bailed.[3] Camden borough’s youth offending team then took over his case.[1]
The police spokesman said he was dealt with through Triage, a scheme the force said uses several strands of engagement and education to prevent young people re-offending.[2] Madonna said the matter was private, telling the Associated Press: “I love my son very much. I will do whatever I can to give him the support that he needs, and I ask that you respect our privacy at this time.”[2] The arrest happened on 28 September but only became public in late November.[1] Ritchie was born on 11 August 2000, and his parents Madonna and Guy Ritchie were together from 2000 to 2008.[1]
