Reggaeton Star Jhayco Arrested on Drug Charges, Allegedly Had White Powder on Nose During Stop

Authorities say the rapper was carrying suspected drugs during his arrest.

August 12, 2025

Jhayco wearing sunglasses, a brown beanie, and a denim jacket gestures with his hand, standing in front of a textured background.

Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images

Reggaeton star Jhayco has been arrested on drug charges. The 32-year-old rapper, born Jesus Manuel Nieves Cortes, was arrested early Tuesday (August 12) in Miami-Dade County after he was allegedly driving a red two-door Corvette at 5 mph on Southwest 8th Street just before 3 a.m., according to an arrest report reviewed by NBC 6 South Florida.

Jhayco’s car supposedly came to a complete stop for over a minute before authorities intervened.

A deputy who approached the vehicle said they “smelled the strong odor of cannabis" and observed “white powder on his pants and white powder on his nose.” The star reportedly couldn’t produce a driver’s license and a record check supposedly revealed none under his name.

Police allegedly discovered two black pouches, each containing about seven grams of suspected cannabis, and three “clear baggies with suspect powder cocaine” in his pockets totaling about two grams.

He was charged with cocaine possession and possession of 20 grams or less of cannabis, with a bond set at $3,000.

Jhayco (formerly Jhay Cortez) released his debut album Famouz in 2019, whose deluxe edition included the Karol G-assisted “Deséame Suerte.” He has collaborated with Bad Bunny on hits like “No Me Conoce - Remix” and “Dákiti,” which topped the Billboard Global 200 and reached the top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100.

His most recent album, Le Clique: Vida Rockstar, arrived last September.